Progressive Gifts & Home March/April 2021

MARCH/APRIL 2021

Bringing Joy Every Day ENESCO LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN. UK Customer Services: Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: trade@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Telephone: +44 1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk

FC_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

29/03/2021 12:16

CB

THE CANDLE BRAND

The Candle Brand | Incorporating home fragrance with interior styling email@thecandlebrand.co.uk | www.thecandlebrand.co.uk

IFC_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

07/04/2021 11:33

3.qxp_3 01/04/2021 14:32 Page 1

This Month It’s just over a year since the word ‘lockdown’ became part of our everyday vocabulary, and thankfully, things are finally looking so much brighter and more positive. Thanks to the super-fast vaccination programme, schools are back, nonessential shops are about to re-open - hooray! - and we can at last meet friends and family al fresco!

Trade shows such as Home & Gift in Harrogate, and Progressive Greetings Live - both scheduled for July - are on course to take place, (see pages 7 and 9), and suddenly we’re all making plans again both socially and businesswise.

So how have gift shops been preparing to re-open on Monday April 12? To find out, turn to pages 15-17.

Will the trends that became lifelines for so many in lockdown continue? We take a look at everything from baking and gardening to jigsaws, letterbox gifts and pet-related giftware. (Turn to pages 42-45).

Elsewhere, with Father’s Day on its way, we discover what’s trending in men’s gifts. (Turn to pages 37-39), as well how British gift manufactures are faring in a post Brexit world. (Turn to pages 27-29). We also reveal the coolest licensed gifts that are sure to ring up sales this summer (turn to pages 4951), and chat to Gallery Direct’s Chris Lewis about what’s driving sales for the company. (Turn to pages 32-33).

But first, turn to our fascinating 15th Retail Barometer which reveals how independent gift retailers fared in the extra-ordinary year that was 2020. While it was a brutal year for retail as a whole, the micro findings may well surprise you. (See pages 20-25).

And finally, for gift retailers who have yet to enter The Greats Gift Retailer Awards, a reminder that the closing date is Friday May 28, with the Awards themselves taking place on Thursday September 23 at the historic HAC in London. If you’re a gift retailer that’s a cut above the rest we’d love you to enter, and, as always, nominations are invited from suppliers, reps and agents. (Turn to page 5). Entries and nominations can also be emailed direct to me at suem@max-publishing.co.uk.

Enjoy reading!

Sue

Sue Marks, Editor

@Prog_Gifts

Inside 5-13

News

15-17

Feedback: Grand Re-opening Ready, Steady, Open!

20-25

Retail Barometer Ups And Downs

27-29

Focus On... Made In Britain Proud To Be British

27

32-33

In Profile: Gallery Direct Investing In The Future

37-39

Focus On... Men’s Gifts Man Appeal

42-45

Pandemic Trends Tapping Into Trends

49-51

Focus On... Licensed Gifts Brands New

56-57

Best Sellers

45

Above: April 12 can’t come soon enough for PG&H’s editor Sue, who is shown outside her local Oliver Bonas.

www.max-publishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines Publishers: Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax, Ian Hyder and Rob Willis

The Greats Awards takes place on 23 September 2021 at the The HAC (Honourable Artillery Company) in London. For details on entering and attending visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

Sue Marks Editor

Jo Pilcher Advertisement Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

jop@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International) You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: www.max-subscriptions.net For assistance, please email subscriptions@max-publishing.co.uk ISSN 2515-7523

Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk Copyright 2021. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

3

Giving & Living 2021 goes online!

We’ve teamed up with experienced giftware consultants along with technology experts to deliver this new three day online show.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS BROWSE AND BUY – AT THIS PRODUCT IMAGE LED SHOW. EVENT SET UP TO EMPLOY ‘LEAST CLICK’ ACCESS – IT’S EASY AND NOT TECHNICAL! MEET NEW COMPANIES FROM THE SOUTH WEST. NO NEED TO TRAVEL.

Register to attend the new Giving & Living Online trade show - it’s free for buyers to attend. Browse hundreds of product images, start the chat with exhibitors (text, phone or video), download catalogues and view videos of companies’ product ranges.

To find out more and register go to: online.givingliving.co.uk Organised by Hale Events: Tel. 01934 733433

L @giving_living 04_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

06/04/2021 11:40

5_7_9_11_13.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 13:57 Page 1

The Greats Awards 2021: A Trio Of New Sponsors

Industry

NEWS

Gift Retailers Urged To Enter, Nominations Invited Candlelight, Carte Blanche Greetings (CBG) and Life Charms are the latest leading names to pledge their support to The Greats as sponsors, joining (in alphabetical order): Gift Republic; GiftsandHome.net; The Giftware Association; Gisela Graham; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Joe Davies; Premier Decorations; Progressive Gifts & Home; Progressive Greetings Live; Spring Fair and Autumn Fair and Wrendale Designs.

The sponsors are all united in the belief that the UK’s best gift retailers definitely deserve to be applauded for their incredible efforts in the past year.

Now in their 19th year, The Greats 2021 gift retailer awards (organised and owned by Giftsandhome.net’s Max Publishing) will be shouting from the rooftops about the UK’s amazing gift retailers who have pulled out all the stops - even through three lockdowns by using click & collect, as well as online and home deliveries, to remain engaged with their customers.

While retailers are being encouraged to enter directly - a downloadable entry form is hosted on www.thegreatsawards.co.uk with a closing date of Friday May 28 - suppliers are also being invited to email their retailer nominations directly to Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net at sue@suemarks.co.uk.

“We are on the lookout for those outstanding gift retailers who are a cut above the rest and have continued to up the ante by being resilient and resourceful in an exceptionally challenging trading period,” says Sue. “Importantly, having The Greats awards event later this year – on Thursday September 23 - means that everyone can be together at a physical event. How great will that be?!”

In addition, The Greats Best Retail Employee category provides a wonderful opportunity for retailers to shout about exceptional members of their staff - those who go the extra mile. Plus,

The Greats also provides an opportunity for retailers to applaud their suppliers, those that have provided the best service to gift indies despite the challenges of the last year.

In addition, retailers are also invited to nominate outstanding suppliers in the Best Supplier Marketing Award - those who have demonstrated excellence in marketing over the past 12 months.

For all supplier nominations, retailers are invited to email Ian Hyder, director of Max Publishing on ianh@maxpublishing.co.uk With the sponsorship roster of The Greats getting stronger by the day, the Awards event - a physical get together - is set to be a fantastic gathering, taking place at the historic Honourable Artillery Club (HAC) in London on the afternoon of Thursday September 23.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jo Pilcher on 020 3764 1694 e:jop@max-publishing.co.uk For all Greats enquiries, please contact Sue Marks on 020 8361 2055 or email her at suem@max-publishing.co.uk Tickets to the The Greats Awards event are available from event organiser Clare Hollick at Createvents: tel: 01183 340085 e:clare@createvents.co.uk or from Max-Tickets.net. For more details, visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Above: The historic HAC in London.

Left: Could your shop’s name be on a Greats trophy this year?

Open Till 10pm Gets Thumbs Down From Indies The announcement that shops can stay open until 10pm, six days a week, from April 12, has received a thumbs down from independent gift shops in England.

“Shops staying open until 10pm is ridiculous,” states Tina Botterill, co-owner of Cool! Cards & Gifts in Skipton. “It will push up overheads and I am not convinced it will bring in a lot more business. Having said that, if I was a few years younger I would probably be giving it a go!”

Also highlighting the impracticalities of the scheme was Liz Killick at Calladoodles in Carshalton, who commented: “It is of very little benefit to small traders such as ourselves, many of whom have no spare hours to give. Even if we have staff, there's no magic money pot to pay extra wages. Once again, the 'big boys' benefit at the expense of the indies.”

At Mooch Gifts & Home, co-owner Jon May added: “extended hours will have little effect within the small towns where we trade - Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn - therefore our normal trading hours will remain, although I’m sure larger chains in cities will take advantage but I wonder if even they will find it profitable.”

North London based Louise Rolfe, owner of The Present in Barnet, adds: “I work in the shop every day, so doing longer hours is out of the question. We’ve tried late night opening at Christmas and it’s not something that’s been successful.”

Above: The Present in Barnet, North London.

Candlelight’s Founder Rocks On It’s going to be a summer of gigs for Mike Winch, a ‘60s Rotherham ‘rock star’, as he takes to the stage once more.

As a 15 year old schoolboy in the ‘60s, Mike, founder and managing director of Candlelight, was already playing five nights a week in a band called The Origators Creed, topping the bill by the time he was 16. “Joe Cocker was second on the bill to us!” he recalls. “It’s my claim to fame, along with the fact we played many gigs where we supported the Cream, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Pink Floyd and Wilson Pickett.”

Now, some 50 years on, Mike’s back on the road again with a new rock band the Road Runner, which features family members - some seriously good 17-year-old guitarists - as well as Mike’s tennis partner. “We’ve already taken bookings for three gigs,” Mike told PG&H. Visit https://youtu.be/qAZnEYnTpoE Left: Candlelight’s Mike Winch is back on the road with a new band, Road Runner.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

5

Spring/Summer Fragrances available to ORDER NOW

Get in touch with us today on 01173161200 or via hfcustomercare@newellco.com

06_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

07/04/2021 12:19

5_7_9_11_13.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:02 Page 3

PG&H Retail Barometer Findings Survey Reveals A ‘Better & Worse’ Year For Indies The latest PG&H Retail Barometer annual survey, which looked back on an unprecedented 2020 - where non-essential retailers were closed for two thirds of the year - unsurprisingly revealed that over two thirds of respondents had a worse year than in 2019, down by 70%.

However, there were some ‘ups’, with Christmas 2020 being a good one for many of those surveyed, with almost two thirds (62%) confirming that it was better or the same as Christmas 2019. The average festive spend increased too, according to a whopping 81% of respondents.

Worse 38%

Better 31% Same 31%

For gift indies without a transactional website, creating one became a priority, with ‘shop local’ campaigns also having a positive effect. Engaging with customers on social media was also a ‘must’ for many, with Facebook and Instagram out in front.

Also on the up in 2020 was sourcing sustainable products, along with giftware that had been made in Britain, with 83% of those surveyed confirming that this was important when sourcing.

Meanwhile, the new products that scored well in response to the pandemic, included face masks, hand sanitiser, gift boxes and hampers, jigsaw puzzles and letterbox gifts.

With lockdown easing, overall, there was a positive feel about business in 2021, with the vast majority of respondents (83%) predicting that they would see significant or marginal growth, or that their business would remain the same.

For the full findings of the PG&H Retail Barometer, turn to pages 20-25.

Left: The majority of Retail Barometer respondents reported a good Christmas.

PG Live 2021 Moves To July Progressive Greetings Live will be going ahead physically this summer on July 27 and 28. Taking place in its 'home' of the Business Design Centre in London’s Islington, the popular, dedicated greeting card trade show was due to be staged June 8-9, but organisers Max Exhibitions believe that the later dateline will give extra reassurance to exhibitors and visitors alike.

“While the Covid situation is improving by the day in the UK, with the vaccine rollout ahead of schedule, and lockdown measures eased, moving PG Live from early June to late July allows for an extra seven weeks of people’s confidence to build as we all embrace the new dawn,” explained Warren Lomax, joint show director of PG Live.

He added: “it has come across loud and clear that the greeting card community really wants PG Live to go ahead, so that retailers can see in the flesh all the inspiring new ranges and designs that publishers have been creating.”

Registration will open shortly. Visit www.progressive greetingslive.com

Industry

NEWS

Giving & Living Goes Virtual In May Dedicated gift, coast and home show Giving & Living will be taking place online from May 10-12, with the event product focused and image led. For this edition only, organisor Hale Events has confirmed that the show will be subsidised for exhibitors, providing them with a much needed route to market.

“This year it's new, so we are subsidising the cost to take part,” confirmed Hale Events’ managing director Mike Anderson. “It’s important to us that this event is successful for clients, most of whom have had their trade severely restricted over the last 12 months. We are keeping the cost to a minimum, while we plan for our physical show in January 2022.”

Buyers will have the opportunity to browse through a curated range of companies, discover new products, download catalogues, view videos about them, as well as to set up meetings, both live text chat and video, with exhibitors. There will also be additional content from organisations such as The Giftware Association.

Added Hale Events’ marketing manager Jennifer Trotman: “Giving & Living online will enable buyers from all over the UK to attend, browse and meet new suppliers.”

Giving & Living will take place physically in Exeter from January 16-18, 2022.

Above: The Giving & Living show, traditionally held in January, will take place online in May.

Above: A bevy of PG Live ‘cardies’ will be meeting and greeting visitors to the show in July.

Left: The Business Design Centre in Islington.

Gift Indie On BBC Radio 4 Ahead of re-opening her shop on April 12, Cathy Frost, owner of independent gift shop Loveone in Ipswich, was a guest on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme, where she discussed the impact of the pandemic on her store, as well as the future of the high street. “My main question was how retailers in towns and cities can get round the lack of lunchtime trade due to workers not returning to their offices if the norm is working from home,” explained Cathy.

Two days earlier, Cathy was also featured in The Sunday Times Business News, where she was asked, as an independent retailer, about the effects and impact of the past year.

Right: Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone in Ipswich.

Virtual Tour With Puckator Puckator has created a virtual tour of its Sheffield showroom enabling customers to see the company’s range in its entirety. The tour allows visitors to walk around the showroom, zoom in on certain sections and then click on hotspots that take them to categories on the company’s website. Individual tours can be arranged. Visit puckator.co.uk where there is a direct link to the virtual showroom.

Above: Puckator has launched a virtual showroom.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

7

The UK’s leading supplier of drop ship Personalised Gifts

est 2004 WWW.PERSONALISEDMEMENTO.CO.UK

sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Licensed Football Gifts

For Him - For Her - For Children - For The Home For All Occasions

08_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

31/03/2021 13:20

5_7_9_11_13.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 13:57 Page 5

Home & Gift: “We’re So Glad It’s Back!”

Industry Delighted At Harrogate Show’s Return This July In response to overwhelming industry demand, and in line with government guidelines, the news that Home & Gift in Harrogate will be opening its doors again from 18-21 July has delighted the gift and home industry.

Taking place across the Harrogate Convention Centre, and in the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate, the show will offer the retail industry the first and largest faceto-face opportunity for buyers and brands to unite and do business in over a year.

“This is the good news that everyone wanted to hear and is just what the industry needs,” said Steve Davies, managing director of Joe Davies. “Harrogate is everyone`s favourite show and we can`t wait to see all our customers again. We’re looking forward to the busiest Harrogate show ever.”

At Gisela Graham, sales director Piers Croke added: “An excellent fair where we launch our Spring range and do some good business! We’re so glad it’s back!”

Marmalade’s Helen Mcleod was just as thrilled. “We can’t wait to see all our lovely stockists and welcome new ones as we have lots of exciting new products to show them.”

Also echoing the jubilant mood was Hot Tomato’s founder and director Alex Machin: “Such great news - we’ve been holding our breath for this! We can’t think of a better venue to kick those trade show blues into touch and get going again - fabulous!”

Chris Lewis, head of sales & business development (Accessories) at Gallery Direct added: “We have secured 170M2 front of exhibition stand space in hall M to showcase our new collections of home accessories, and can’t wait to share a Pimms, face to face, with all our trade friends again.”

Information on registration, exhibiting brands and safety guidelines and procedures for Covid will be released in the coming weeks. Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk.

Above: July can’t come soon enough! Visitors are shown relaxing during a break at Home & Gift in Harrogate in 2019.

Great News For Gift Retailers Gift retailers too, were just as delighted at the return of Home & Gift, with many having booked favourite hotels and restaurants in anticipation.

"Harrogate Home & Gift is the highlight of our buying year and we’re thrilled to bits that it's going to be happening in 2021,” enthused Rachel Roberts, co-owner of five Mooch gift shops in Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire. “We're so excited to be able to go and find lots of gorgeous new lovelies to fill our shops with. Roll on July!"

Added Jo Webber, owner of Jo Amor in Tiverton: “Woohoo! A date in the diary at last! Such a great venue to review all the brands in the shop.

Whatever it takes, we will be there, lists and buying book at the ready!”

Also thrilled with the news was Liz Kemp, owner of Kemps General Store and Kemps Bookshop in Malton, and Kemps on the Coast in Whitby. “We have missed meeting our suppliers, and the opportunity to choose and curate our stock collections, having actually seen and touched the items before we buy! It's great news for the industry and great news for our customers.”

In Scotland, Janet Hartree, owner of Ewe and Me and Ewe Too in Grantown on Spey, commented: “The joy of seeing our suppliers with new stock, chatting with those we’ve come to know so well over the years, and passing on our orders is all in a day’s work and we couldn’t be happier to be doing it again.”

Right: Jo Webber has got her order book ready and waiting!

Industry

NEWS Delhi Fair Opens Its Doors In May

The IHGF Delhi Fair will take place physically from 19-23 May at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). Unique traditional workmanship and techniques will sit alongside the latest international designs.

An important show on the calendar for many UK gift wholesalers, the IHGF Delhi Fair is a one stop sourcing destination across Home, Lifestyle, Fashion, Furniture and Textiles, with over 2000 exhibitors showcasing designs.

To encourage international visitors to attend, a special promotional scheme for overseas buyers offers ‘star’ category hotel accommodation at US$100 (including breakfast, taxes, airport transfer, and transfers to and from the exhibition venue) for four nights during the show.

Register at: www.ihgfdelhifair.in/register Below: Traditional jewellery made in India.

Christmas & Gift 2021 Has Been Cancelled Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2021 - which had been postponed from its original date in January to May - has now been cancelled for this year. The next event will be in 2022, taking place from Sunday January 16 to Wednesday January 19 at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

“Following the government’s announcement that the UK will not be able to resume events until June 21, it has been decided to focus on the 2022 show,” confirmed show organiser Simon Anslow.

“It is very disappointing for everyone involved, but hopefully life and business will be back to normal by January next year and we can all look forward to another bumper show.”

As well as festive goods, the event also showcases gifts for all occasions. Visit www.harrogatefair.com Below: Harrogate Christmas & Gift will now take place in January 2022.

Sophie Allport Charity Initiative Homewares designer Sophie Allport, and international conservation charity, ZSL (Zoological Society of London), have collaborated on the launch of a new giraffe collection which will help to raise funds for the conservation charity and support its work.

Left: A Sophie Allport giraffe coaster.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

9

Over 3500 products across our range and an updated collection of over 550 new Home Accessories for SS21

www.gallerydirect.co.uk | 01795 439159

Accessories are perfect for adding personality and interest to interiors. Whether you want to add a touch of colour, texture or design, our eclectic new range offers a wonderful choice so you’re sure to find something to complement your décor. Stylish ceramic and glass vases can be used as feature pieces in their own right, or pair beautifully with our incredibly realistic plant stems, whilst candle holders and lanterns offer an easy way of adding ambience to a room.

10_GH_March April 2021.indd 1 0104.indd 1 GD Progressive Gifts & Home - Full Page

06/04/2021 11:39 Thu 01/04/2021 15:31:05

5_7_9_11_13.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 13:57 Page 7

Industry

Mum’s The Word Everlasting Flowers, Vases And Planters Led The Way With Mother’s Day the second biggest gift giving occasion of the year for gift retailers, gift shops put their all into making sure that they did their very best to make the most of it, despite being closed, with many of the best sellers linking in with the current trend for faux flowers and planters.

“Mother’s Day sales started much earlier this year as I think lots of people had been missing their mums,” commented Tracey Bryant, co-owner of Expressions in Swindon, The Cats Whiskers in Bishop’s Cleeve and Polkadot in Keynsham. “Our shop windows, social media and live videos were at the forefront of showcasing our Mother’s Day cards and gifts, and our everlasting flowers were very popular. “ At England at Home, Bob England, owner of two England at Home stores in Brighton, concurred that planters, and vases in particular, were among the most popular lines for mums, alongside scented candles, mugs and tea towels.

As Keiron Cockley, coowner of four Brocante shops in Fowey, Mevagissey and St Ives, pointed out: “We only took a fraction of what we would have taken compared to normal

sales if we had been open, but it was a great help. Smaller gift items sold really well for Mother’s Day, as we offered to wrap and send direct with a card for mum as well.”

At Williams of Audlem in Audlem, owner Judy Evans explained: “Our Mother’s Day gift and card sales were equally strong this year, with Emma Ball’s bee-themed products, Bomb Cosmetics’ candles in a tin, Ashleigh & Burwood’s reed diffusers, Miss Sparrow’s bamboo socks, Miss Milly jewellery, Jellycat's Riverside Ramblers, and Eco Chic products selling well across the range.”

However, Mother’s Day wasn’t a winner for all gift shops. “Mother’s Day behind a mask definitely isn’t one we want to repeat,” said Sarah Halsall, owner of Hand Picked by Henrietta in Chapelen-le-Frith. “Unfortunately, our usual best weekend of the year certainly wasn’t, although we did receive a few orders and many messages of support. However, we can’t wait to be back in our shop doing what we love.”

Above: Coral and Mint’s star earrings were designed as a gift for mums.

Left: Brocante’s content manager Maria Norman heading off to post parcels in time for Mother’s Day.

A Cracking Easter In a mostly glorious week for weather, a second Easter in lockdown didn’t deter gift shops from going all out on their shop window displays, with retailers reporting good sales across gifts, decorations and cards.

“Some of our top treats hopping out from Jo Amor were Liberty print Jellycat bunnies for the non-chocoholics, along with creative mini egg cookie kits for a great family bake off, and a pocket size Devon walks book featuring great routes for outdoor adventures over Easter,” highlighted Jo Webber, owner of Jo Amor in Tiverton.

At Corncuopia in Worcester, director Hannah Bishop told PG&H that, in previous years, people had tended to shop quite late for Easter. “However, Easter gifts and decorations have really taken off for us this year. It’s all looking promising for when we reopen on April 12th!"

Aga Gabrysiak, owner of Highworth Emporium in Highworth, added: “sales of Easter decorations grow every year, and last year we literally sold out through our online channels – the beginning of the first lockdown - so I ordered more boldly for Easter 2021 and am not expecting to have many Easter decorations or gifts left. The weakest Easter seller was Easter chocolates, which fortunately, we ordered cautiously.”

In Glasgow, Denise Laird, owner of Spirito, pointed out that Easter fell very early this year. “We were quite cautious when ordering Easter themed stock, given the uncertainty around lockdown durations. Although there was a steady flow of Easter decorations and cards ordered through our website it was not on the scale that we would normally expect.”

Above: An eye-catching Easter window at Highworth Emporium.

Left: Pop out bird and animal cards from Art Angels were popular at Loveone in Ipswich.

NEWS PEOPLE l University Games is

continuing the substantial growth and success it enjoyed in 2020 and has announced directorships for two members of the senior management team.

Mark Jones - who joined the company in 2018 - has been promoted to sales director, while Gemma Lewington - who was appointed in 2019 - has been appointed marketing director. Both have both played significant roles in the integration of Lagoon Games into the core business.

Above: Gemma Lewington (top) and Mark Jones.

Enesco Expands Its First Eco Collection Enesco recently expanded its first ecofriendly collection Kloche which features miniature decorative pieces in a classic vintage style. Exclusive to Enesco, the giftware is produced using sustainably sourced wood and glass domes instead of plastic, with the pieces presented in a unique branded giftbox created from biodegradable packaging.

The new items in Kloche’s The Tiny Town collection include new flower figurines, each highlighting a different posy and sentiment: red roses for the Love You figurine, sunflowers for the Happy Birthday Figurine and daisies for the Fabulous Friend figurine.

Above: New figurines in Enesco’s first sustainably sourced collection from Kloche.

Ashleigh & Burwood’s Virtual House Ashleigh & Burwood has gone live with a brand new state of the art 360 degree virtual showroom TheHouseOfAB.com - an immersive experience that allows retailers to view, in 3D detail, the company’s popular home fragrance products including the newest editions for SS21. Scent cards for eight of the latest fragrance launches are available on request.

The custom built show space is designed around a beautiful home that is an expression of the style and aspirations of the brand.

Above: House of Ashleigh & Burwood.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

11

12_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

31/03/2021 13:21

5_7_9_11_13.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 13:57 Page 9

John Lewis Mini Stores To Go Into Waitrose Outlets Plus A Further Eight Department Stores Close Looking to the year ahead, John Lewis’ five-year plan will include destination stores alongside smaller format ‘best of John Lewis’ stores, as well as the roll out of John Lewis areas within Waitrose stores which are currently being trialled in Horley, Godalming, Lincoln, Lymington and Wallingford.

“It's really exciting to be working closely with Waitrose on stocking more and more John Lewis products in their stores,” Sara Allbright, John Lewis Partnership’s buyer for Gifts and Candleshop, told PG&H. “This year will see several new ranges of John Lewis branded home fragrance launch in store, alongside collaborative working on all the big seasonal events.”

If the roll out is successful, the John Lewis ‘mini’ stores will go into a significant number of

Waitrose’s 331 outlets, with all general merchandise in Waitrose shops sourced from John Lewis.

The roll-out is scheduled to take place over the next 12-18 months.

In a difficult year for the retailer, a further eight John Lewis store closures have been announced which is likely to impact on the supply chain - to include many gift and homewares suppliers - as the retail portfolio decreases from 50 stores to 34.

On the online front, Johnlewis.com has grown significantly in the past year, up 73% compared to 40% before the pandemic, equating to three quarters of the brand’s sales.

Above: John Lewis’ flagship Oxford Street store.

UK Licensing Awards 2021 Are Open The UK Licensing Awards 2021 are open for entry. All award categories including those for licensed products, licensed properties, retail, marketing, honorary achievement, plus the awards for sustainability, international retail and licensed live events - can be entered free via the website (www.thelicensingawards.co.uk). The deadline for entries is Tuesday 1 June.

The Licensing Awards 2021 (owned and organised by Max Publishing) cover licensed product launches, licensing activity and licensed retailing execution in the 12 months up to the end of May 2021.

The entry and judging (by retail buyers) of all product categories will be done online.

Winners will be revealed at a physical awards event on Tuesday 14 September in The Great Room at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

Tickets and tables can be reserved online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or phone +44 (0)1183 340085.

Smelling Sweet Fruit and floral fragrances topped the charts for the scents that people enjoy most in their homes, followed by woody, citrus and spicy scents respectively, confirm Lesser & Pavey.

The company recently carried out an online survey with both consumer and trade buyers, which saw 87% of respondents confirming that they favour burning candles, wax melts and oil warmers, with 60% preferring reed diffusers, and over 47% choosing aroma lamps. Just under a fifth said that they preferred humidifiers which have become popular during the lockdowns.

Industry

NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

l Retail guru Mary Portas is among the well-

known names lobbying the government to consider a Shop Out to Help Out summer discount scheme, echoing last summer’s Eat Out To Help Out initiative. l A recent Springboard report predicts that

shopping centres and retail parks footfall will rise by +46% and 26% respectively during the first week that shops open. l For the first

time, Moda will be co-locating with Autumn Fair which is being held from September 5-8 at the NEC in Birmingham. It will co-exist alongside Jewellery & Watch and Fashion (JWF) to create a new fashion buying destination. Visit www.autumnfair.com.

Above: Moda will be co-locating with Autumn Fair.

l Following the announcement that Thorntons’

62 standalone shops will close, it was confirmed that gift and card shop franchisees will continue to trade. l A ‘Thank You’

Wentworth Puzzles jigsaw puzzle raised over £12,000 for NHS staff and key workers and was donated to the Wiltshire Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Response Fund.

Portmeirion’s Virtual State-OfThe-Art Showroom

Above: Wentworth’s fund-raising jigsaw puzzle.

Portmeirion Group is showcasing its new 2021 collections via a bespoke, state-of-the-art virtual showroom, and immersive digital platform, that will host events and live appointments.

The new collections will be showcased with the use of a high quality, fully integrated, face to face virtual world, which looks and feels like a premium real life showroom.

The Group combines six homeware and fragrance brands: Portmeirion; Wax Lyrical; Spode; Royal Worcester and Nambé.

‘Taking Steps to Protect Our Planet logo. The company offers over 700 gifts, games and puzzles, the majority of which utilise cardboard in either their production or packaging process.

Below: The new Portmeirion Group virtual showroom.

l University Games has created a new

l Card and gift multiple, Cardzone is trading

well from its first ever e-commerce site www.cardzoneltd.com/ - featuring gifts and home fragracing products from leading brands.

They include Enesco, Yankee Candle, Gorjuss and Wild Things. l Moonpig has made

a successful debut on the Stock Exchange, and now has a market valuation of £1.5bn.

Flowers, wine and chocolates accounted for 46% of the company’s sales in the 12 months to October 31, 2020, with Moonpig looking to expand its gift offer.

Above: Moonpig is planning to expand its gifting offer.

Above: Lesser & Pavey’s Desire aroma lamps and humidifiers.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

13

Brighter Days Ahead!

It’s lovely that trade is opening back up and we are looking forward to the brighter days ahead!

We are here to support you with a great new range, available Little & Often, and all backed up with our famous Joe Davies service.

Night Owls

David’s Rainbow Ducks

Tel: 0161 975 6300 2021 03 - Progressive Gifts FP.indd 1 00_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

Village Pottery

Thoughtful Words

Caring Words Magnet Frames

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

www.joedavies.co.uk 26/03/2021 12:48:32 29/03/2021 12:10

15_17.qxp_25/27 30/03/2021 13:39 Page 15

Feedback

Grand Re-Opening

Ready, Steady, Open!

Left: At last! We’re open!

Below: The new Raven Lifestyle store in Totnes.

At the time of going to press at the end of March, April 12 is a red letter day for non-essential retailers (other than Scotland), the all-important date when finally, doors can be flung wide open, and customers welcomed back with open arms.

In the lead up to the big day, gift retailers revealed what they have been doing to up the ante when their shops can finally hang the ‘We’re Open’ sign on the door!

Opening With A Bang “We have had quite a decent shuffle around in the shop to keep both ourselves and our customers on our toes. I have decided to open with a bang and a full shop of new and existing suppliers,” confirms Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s in Colchester.

“I have expanded on previous winning suppliers to include Ashleigh & Burwood, Wrendale, Sophie Allport, Besp-oak, DCUK, Gingko and Swole Panda. And, for the first time, I have ordered from some 20 new suppliers, including Mathmos, Mova, Elite, HydroHerb, The Bottled Baking Company and Janie Wilson.”

First Things First: “We are opening with a ‘January sale’ for all those customers who missed out on Christmas decorations etc., straight after Christmas. And as soon as it is sensible, we will be having a couple of late night shopping and drinks events where one will definitely involve mulled wine! As with our re-opening in June last year I’m going with the Bill& Bert’s cartoons in the front windows, but this time, with a sunshine feel about them.”

Faster bounce back: “What will trade be like on the April 12 and the rest of the month? Only time will tell. However, I do believe that with the number of vaccines that have already been given, and with the frustration of customers not being allowed to shop properly this year, the bounce back will be far quicker than when we all re opened last June.”

Service is paramount: “We independents now have to offer customer service that the nationals have long forgotten how to, as customers will be looking for service and safety and fun more now than at any time, and it’s the independents who are best placed to provide this.”

Adds Bill: “I’m sure that this year’s Harrogate Home & Gift show will prove to be the most important show in the industry for many, many years.”

Above: The sunny cartoon signage in the window at Bill & Bert’s is welcoming customers back.

Right: Bill & Bert’s in Colchester.

Eye-catching Changes Also looking to re-open with a bang is Bradley Trevelyan, owner of two Raven Lifestyle shops in Tavistock and Totnes. “We’re keeping things casual at the moment as we aren’t sure which restrictions and rules will be in place on April 12.

However, we’re making lots of big, eye catching changes to the stores that we’re hoping will bring both old and new customers in. We missed out on a grand opening day for our Totnes store, so as soon as we can have an in-store event we will.”

Revamped interior: “What hasn’t been moved?! The shops are being completely changed around. We’ve done the basics - touching up on paint and doing all the fiddly jobs that never get done - but we’ve also fitted some new displays and made way for our soon-to-launch range of clothes and accessories.”

Fashion forward: “We are launching our very first clothing collection, which includes

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

15

ai161702291359_Progressive Gifts Ad April 21.pdf 1 29/03/2021 14:01:54

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

00_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

31/03/2021 13:19

15_17.qxp_25/27 30/03/2021 13:40 Page 17

Feedback some exclusive collaborations and items that have never been available in-store before. Some of our favourite new ranges include Pop Icons, which we launched a few weeks ago online. It’s been very popular so we can’t wait for everyone to see how effective it is in-store. We’ve also partnered with a gorgeous new jewellery brand, ranged some great new gifts and homewares, and will have everything looking bright and colourful for Spring/Summer. It’s hard to believe the last time we were open the shops were full of Christmas, so it will be quite a difference once we re-open!”

Making the most of our windows: “We’re planning a vibrant, positive showcase of all our new products We’re still ironing out the details, though we hope we can add to the charm of our towns with a stunning display. A lot of love goes into the local high street, so we’re expecting to see lots of fabulous displays and vibrancy in April.”

Below: Raven Lifestyle in Tavistock.

Grand Re-Opening

A Fresh New Start “We are extremely excited to hopefully be able to reopen all our shops on April 12, and are focusing our efforts on a memorable and grand reopening, to celebrate all those missed occasions and to show gratitude to our customers for helping towards the survival of our shops,” says Priya Aurora-Crowe, co-owner of six Lark London gift and lifestyle stores.

Giveaways: “We are giving away 250 gift bags to all our customers, per store, to say thank you for all the support during these tough times.”

In store makeovers: “We have also used lockdown time to refurbish our Earlsfield store, by changing the flooring and all the shelving units to fit the Lark look. We have also remerchandised every store with all new products so that the customer experience is one of newness and excitement. Our window displays have also been changed to reiterate the complete sense of change for this new start.”

Last lockdown: “We can only hope that this is the last lockdown we have to endure.

Back to bricks and mortar we say at Lark, and we cannot wait to interact with our customers again, go to trade shows and get off our computers!”

Above: Lark, Balham. From left to right: owners Priya and Dominic Crowe with social media director Heloise Byfield.

Huge Shop Makeover Re-opening Refit “This last lockdown has been a really good opportunity for us to have a good sort out and a long overdue re-vamp of our gift store The Cats Whiskers in Bishops Cleeve which we’ve owned for six years,” explains Tracey Bryant, co-owner two other stores, Expressions in Swindon and Polkadot in Keynsham.

All change: “This third lockdown has seen everything change at the shop, with the units that have been there for some 20 years finally gone! Nothing is certain, but we are moving towards the re-opening with a plan for what we want to achieve,” Below: The Cats Whiskers is being re-vamped.

“Our grand reopening on April 12 will involve a complete restyle with new window and instore displays,” enthuses Hannah Bishop, co-owner of Cornucopia in Worcester. “New and exciting stock will give us a fresh look, and the aim is for customers to be able to move around and browse displays in a safe and relaxed environment.”

What’s new in store? “Plenty of new signage will remind customers about the importance of social distancing, but in a more relaxed way, and clearly priced goods will help them to shop effortlessly and in a less restricted way. The shop was quite full of stock at Christmas time, but we have now simplified the layout without limiting the choice of goods.”

Improved stock management: “We have also implemented a whole new till and EPOS system while in lockdown.

This will help to ensure that we have sufficient stock levels for the shop floor and online sales. It will also make ordering stock more efficient so that we have more time to do window displays which is what we enjoy the most.”

New product lines: “In addition, we have worked really hard to source new and exciting goods from new suppliers, while remaining confident that existing and updated ranges from some of our regular suppliers will not disappoint. Meanwhile, we can’t wait for Harrogate Home & Gift in July!”

Eye-catching displays: “Our shop window displays will aim to inspire customers to refresh their homes, with a wonderful selection of vases and glassware and a strong influence of honey bee ranges, from various suppliers, creating an impact. Summer, and thoughts of better times ahead, will be foremost in our minds as we throw open the doors on April 12.”

Above: Gift store Cornucopia in Worcester will have a new look and feel.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

17

D e s i g n - l e d

18-19_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

H o m e w a re

07/04/2021 12:22

O u r

s h o w r o o m

i s

o p e n

Come and see our stunning new ranges

18-19_GH_March April 2021.indd 2

07/04/2021 12:22

20-21_23_25.qxp_New Grid 31/03/2021 08:28 Page 20

Retail Barometer 2020

Ups And Downs

It was a year that nobody wanted. A virus that swept the globe, forcing government restrictions that included non-essential retailers closing for some two thirds of last year.

But after the shock of last March came resourcefulness, resilience and a ‘I’m not going to be beaten by this!’ resolve, with the majority of gift retailers finding other ways to trade.

Those with a website upped the ante; those without a website quickly set one up; home deliveries became the norm, while click and collect in the second and third lockdowns kept the tills ringing.

In a brutal year for retail - unsurprisingly, almost two thirds of respondents had a worse year overall than in 2019 - there were some ‘ups’ as PG&H’s annual Retail Barometer survey reveals.

How was Christmas 2020?

Despite the unprecedented circumstances surrounding Christmas 2020, with the sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of retailers as they feared another lockdown leading up to December 25, surprisingly, figures were up on 2019, with 62% of respondents confirming that it was better or the same as Christmas 2019 (compared to 58% in last year’s Barometer findings). For many gift retailers, Christmas started early, with customers anticipating another lockdown and shopping as early as September.

However, it wasn’t a good Christmas for all gift retailers of course - with over a third (38%) saying it was worse (compared to last year’s 31%).

Worse 38%

How did the average spend compare to Christmas 2019?

A whopping 81% of those surveyed said that the average festive spend increased significantly, increased slightly or remained the same, (compared to 69% in 2019), with less than a fifth of respondents seeing a decline.

Without being able to see friends and family, people wanted to show loved ones how much they were missing them, with personalised, sentiment gifts among the best sellers.

Increased significantly 18% Increased slightly 45% Remained the same 18% Declined 14% Declined significantly 5%

What impact have the three lockdowns had on gift sales in the past 12 months?

Better 31%

As expected, sales took a big hit during the lockdowns, down by 70%, revealed the findings.

Increased significantly 7% Increased slightly 16% Remained the same 7% Declined 32% Declined significantly 38%

Same 31%

How Did Your Business Fare Over The Last Year?

PG&H looks back at seven years of Retail Barometer data 2019 v Better Same Worse

20

2020 23% 13% 64%

2018 v 2019 Better 37% Same 24% Worse 39%

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

2017 v Better Same Worse

2018 45% 28% 27%

2017 v Better Same Worse

2016 37% 21% 42%

2016 v Better Same Worse

2015 56% 18% 26%

2015 v Better Same Worse

2014 50% 27% 23%

2014 v Better Same Worse

2013 53% 24% 23%

20-21_23_25.qxp_New Grid 31/03/2021 08:28 Page 21

Retail Barometer 2020

Compared to 2019, did the year’s average spend per customer increase or decline in 2020?

Declined 22%

Remained the same 28%

Increased significantly 14%

Supermarket Challenge With supermarkets an essential retailer during the pandemic, (controversially) allowed to sell their whole range – to include gifts and homewares alongside grocery products - it comes as no surprise that the vast majority of respondents (over 90%) viewed them as a threat or a serious threat.

How do you view the supermarkets' continuing expansion into gifts?

Increased slightly 36%

Neutral 9%

Threat 54% Serious threat 37%

What main factors had a positive effect on business in 2020?

The importance of having a website leapt up three places in 2020 compared to 2019, as the lockdowns pushed more gift retailers without a transactional website to create one. In addition, ’shop local’ campaigns took on a new significance, entering the chart for the first time in the No. 2 position. Promotional activity jumped four places as did an upsurge of new customers.

What main factors had a positive effect on your business in the last year?

(Last year’s positions shown in brackets) 1 Online/website (4) 2 Shop local campaigns (-) 3 Promotional activity (7) 4 Upsurge of new customers (8) 5 Greeting card expansion (5) 6 Social media (3) 7 Local competition closing down (6) 8 Diversification (2) 9 Staff (1) 10 Shopfit (9) Almost half of respondents also cited offering home deliveries and click and collect; social media initiatives; an increase in tourism and staycations; Google shopping ads and a change in shopping behaviour to Ecommerce.

What main factors had a detrimental effect on your business in 2020 (Last year’s positions shown in brackets) The UK retail economy 70% (73%) Expansion of gift and home products in supermarkets 50% (27%) Competition from multiples 30% (29%) Suppliers’ websites selling direct to the consumer 26% (-) Charity shops selling Gifts 22% (26%) Lack of trade shows 22% (-) Competitive websites 14% (39%) Expansion of discounters/Deep value retailers 14% (59%) Rent reviews 12% (33%) Parking issues 11% (32%) Reduced visits from reps/agents 9% Other factors that were detrimental to business included lockdowns, with garden centres and supermarkets open and permitted to sell their whole range.

Garden Centre Growth When asked how they viewed garden centre growth in the gift and home sector - given that garden centres were allowed to trade across all product sectors during the lockdowns, opening earlier than non-essential retailers during the first lockdown - almost three quarters of those surveyed (72%) regarded this sector as a threat or serious threat, significantly up on last year’s findings.

Serious threat 49% Threat 23% Neutral 28%

Amazon: Biggest Threat How do you view third party online operators in the gifts and home sector (eg Amazon)?

A massive 93% of those surveyed see online giant Amazon as the biggest threat of all to independents. Over the past year, without physical shops to buy from, Amazon has been the ‘go to’ for many consumers, as buying habits have shifted to online.

Neutral 9% Threat 30%

Serious threat 61%

Third Party Selling How do you view gift and home suppliers selling direct to the public?

Serious threat Threat Neutral

44% 51% 5%

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

21

22_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

07/04/2021 12:18

20-21_23_25.qxp_New Grid 31/03/2021 08:29 Page 23

Retail Barometer 2020

Do you see geographical exclusivity of supply as an issue?

Yes No

37% 63%

New Look, New Feel What investments have you made in your shop over the last year?

Websites were way out in front as the biggest investment that gift retailers made in 2020, with over half of respondents (56%) confirming that they had taken priority, compared to just over a fifth in 2019.

Sprucing up their shops has been a priority for just over a third of those surveyed (34%). Work has included a full or partial refit, painting the interior and exterior, new branding, new signage, new windows, new doors, improving the ambience and putting planters outside the door.

Below: Websites have become a ‘must’ for gift indies.

1 Website 2 Partial refit 3 = Computer equipment 3 = EPOS equipment 4 New shop units 5 = Shop extension 5 = Vehicles for business 5 = Full refit

Staff Matters For the majority of respondents (81%), staffing will remain at the current levels. Only 11% intend to recruit new members of the team.

Online Sales Do you have a website for your shop?

Three quarters of respondents now have a transactional website.

Some 69% of those surveyed concurred that their website is instrumental in driving business in store, where the lion’s share of sales are still made. Over 70% of gift retailers confirmed that they planned to develop their website further in 2021.

For those retailers who do not yet have an online presence, over a third (38%) said that they intended to develop a website over the coming year.

Marketing Savvy What type of promotions did you run in 2020?

The vast majority of Retail Barometer respondents - 81% - confirmed that they had actively embraced marketing in addition to collaborating with other local retailers/businesses. In store money off/discount promotions were again way out in front, with loyalty cards remaining an important way to encourage increased footfall. Other ways to engage with customers included social media competitions.

1 Social media promotions 2 Loyalty cards 3 Collaboration with other local retailers/businesses 4 = In store money off/discount promotions 4 = Gift voucher scheme 5 = Free gift promotions 5 = Leaflets 6 Charity fundraising Right: The Flower Diffuser from The Candle Brand is 7 = Press advertising vegan and eco-friendly.

7 = BOGOF or similar

Socially Speaking Some 93% of respondents are now using social networking sites as a means of promoting their business. Almost all respondents are using Facebook (93%), with over two thirds also using Instagram.

Using Their Initiative Gift indies continued to give their shops a high profile, with last year’s initiatives including collaborations with other retailers and chambers of commerce to encourage customers to support the high street; creating a Facebook ‘lockdown’ club with live streaming; producing Facebook videos; Mystery bags selling at half price; live QVC style shows; letterbox gifts and gift boxes; loyalty giveaways and Christmas raffles.

Product Matters How did the following sectors perform in 2020? ('Star' performers have been shown in bold) Category Increased Bath and body 47% Children’s clothing/accessories 21% Confectionery/edible gifts 44% Craft products 31% Decorative home accessories 44% Fashion accessories (eg scarves) 27% Furniture 19% Garden gifts 52% Gift stationery/journals 27% Greeting cards 52% Giftwrap 27% Home fragrancing 60% (eg candles, reed diffusers) Impulse items 19% Jewellery 23% Pet-related gifts 33% Plush 30% Seasonal gifts 28% Tableware/kitchen gifts 10% Toys & Games 17% Women’s fashions 9%

Stable 33% 58% 44% 56% 53% 58% 50% 35% 50% 26% 41% 23%

Decreased 20% 21% 12% 13% 3% 15% 31% 13% 23% 21% 32% 17%

52% 46% 50% 40% 37% 58% 56% 57%

29% 31% 16% 30% 34% 32% 26% 33%

What’s New? Did you introduce new products in 2020, driven by the pandemic?

Some 57% of respondents introduced new product in response to the pandemic. These included face masks; hand sanitiser; gift boxes and hampers; jigsaws and puzzles; letterbox gifts; sentiment giftware; lockdown humour greeting cards; beauty and wellbeing items; hair accessories and confectionery/sweet treats.

New Avenues Which product areas do you want to expand or diversify into this year?

Home accessories, along with eco products, were the top two sectors that respondents wanted to expand this year, with greeting cards in third place. Driven by the pandemic, garden gift products and pet-related giftware also made it into the top 5. Other products included ‘ready to go’ and bespoke gift boxes.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

23

A Prickle of stunning Frith Hedgehogs!

• We offer over 200

delightful, realistic and high selling sculptures.

• Sculpted and hand made in the UK at affordable prices.

• Best Seller

and credit deals available.

To receive our full colour catalogues contact us at sales@frithsculpture.co.uk Or telephone 01666 577110 www.frithsculpture.co.uk

24_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

06/04/2021 15:44

20-21_23_25.qxp_New Grid 31/03/2021 08:30 Page 25

Retail Barometer 2020

At The Source How do you normally source products?

The most popular way those surveyed source products is at trade shows (76%), with sourcing from a rep or agent a close second.

Other key sourcing avenues include reading trade magazines such as Progressive Gifts & Home, researching on the internet and looking at what other shops are selling. Almost a third of respondents intend to increase they number of suppliers they buy from this year, with just over half (52%) happy to remain with their current companies.

Community Involvement Which local organisations were you involved with in 2020?

(Last year's figures are shown in brackets) Town centre retailing groups 53% Federation of Small Businesses 30% Chamber of Commerce 23% Charities 23% Schools 10%

(47%) (35%) (19%) (58%) (28%)

Sustainability Leads The Way When it comes to sourcing product, how important is sustainability to you?

‘Must Have’ Products Which three gift/home ranges could you not do without in your shop?

Sourcing sustainable giftware is a priority, with all respondents confirming that they looked to source sustainable, environmentally friendly products in 2020.

Very important 31% Somewhat important 69%

Respondents confirmed that their stand out products in 2019 were (in alphabetical order): Jellycat; Rosie Made A Thing and Wrendale Designs.

Environmentally Friendly To what extent have environmental concerns impacted on your sales?

Declined 2% Increased significantly 5% Remained the same 71%

What are your expectations for your business in 2021?

Slight decline13% Remain about the same 19%

Major decline 4%

Significant growth 14%

Marginal growth 50%

Increased slightly 22%

As an independent retailer, what are your biggest concerns for 2021?

Sourcing: Made In Britain When sourcing products, how important to you is it whether a product is made In Britain when making a buying decision?

A whopping 83% of respondents confirmed that they are influenced by whether or not a product is made in Britain. (See pages 27-29).

Very important 19% Somewhat important 64% Not important 17%

Purchasing: Made In Britain When purchasing a product, how important is it to your customers whether a product is made in Britain?

Very important Slightly important Not important

14% 57% 29%

At Your Service In the last year, how have your found service levels?

Improved slightly Remained the same Decreased slightly Decreased significantly

26% 55% 17% 2%

Consumers not returning to the high street 60% Price increases 60% Business rates increase 23% Other concerns included further lockdowns; online becoming the way people choose to shop; unavailability and/or difficulty in getting stock; price hikes due to Brexit; rents not reflecting difficult trading conditions; big garden centres offering heavily discounted products; suppliers selling direct to consumers online.

How do you view the future of independent gift shops in the next 3-5 years?

Very positive Positive Neutral Weak Very weak

11% 50% 27% 7% 5%

Which one word (polite!) would you select to describe the UK gift and home industry today?

'Challenging', ‘struggling’ and ’worrying’ once again remained the most commonly used words to describe the gift industry in 2020.

However, on the upside, respondents also praised gift retail for being ‘resilient’, ‘progressive’ and ‘exciting’.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

25

WELCOME BACK, WE’RE REALLY PLEASED TO SEE YOUR STORES OPEN ONCE AGAIN!

B RI GH TER DAYS ARE HE RE ! W E ’RE RE ALLY PLE ASE D T O SEE YO UR STORES OPE NING ONCE AGAIN!

SHOP OUR SS21 COLLECTION NOW WHOLESALE.KATIELOXTON.COM | WHOLESALE. JOMAJEWELLERY.COM

KENSINGTON WEEKEND BAG

BIRTHS TONE POUCHES

A LIT TLES BRACELET S

OCCASION GIF T BOX

FROM £69.99

FROM £2 2.99

FROM £15.50

FROM £3 5.99

IF YOU WISH TO BECOME A S TOCKIS T PLEASE EMAIL OUR LOVELY CUS TOMER SERVICE TEAM: KATIE LOXTON: ENQUIRIES@KATIELOXTON.COM

26_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

| JOMA JEWELLERY: ENQUIRIES@JOMAJEWELLERY.COM

06/04/2021 11:36

27_29_muk.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 12:49 Page 27

Focus On... Made In Britain

Proud To Be With Brexit’s customs charges, tariffs and returned packages continuing to cause chaos, alongside backlogs and delays and increased freight charges, it’s no surprise that there has been a resurgence of interest in British made products. Added to which is the growing ‘shop local’ trend, with consumers having become more aware of the importance of supporting local businesses.

It all adds up to a positive year for British gift manufacturers.

It’s no secret that products with a Made In Britain backstamp or swing tag shout their credentials loud and proud, underlining quality, craftsmanship, authenticity, design, and often heritage too. Driven by demand, retailers are seeking out made in Britain products for their customers, who are keen to discover more about an item’s provenance and carbon footprint before purchasing.

“We have noticed a massive growth in our online business, either through our own website or via our retailers that operate an online offer,” concurs Peter Smith, sales director at Dunoon, which manufactures high quality fine bone china mugs, teapots, cups and saucers in Stone, Staffordshire. “No doubt this is due to shops still being closed, with many UK consumers wanting to order from a UK website being fearful of purchasing from outside UK boundaries, due to the red tape thrown up by Brexit.”

He continues: “In addition, over recent years, we‘ve noticed more and more consumers questioning where products are made, praising us on our product being made in the UK. All this bodes well for the Dunoon UK market despite the current difficulties.”

Also based in Staffordshire, in Stoke on Trent, is Repeat Repeat. “We we have been

Above: Jura Busy Bees design from Dunoon.

Below: Repeat Repeat’s Quinto mini mugs.

Bottom: Pintail’s Wild Rose & Rhubarb, part of the Co-ordinate candle range.

making our products in Stoke-on-Trent since 1984,” emphasises director Gillian Naylor.

“Since then, we have built a loyal customer base of people who appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of our bone china.

Even with the availability of cheaper imported products, we have continued to flourish, and what has been noticeable is a resurgence of interest in British made products. Customers are considering the provenance of our wares, with traditional skills made by local people a positive selling point.”

Adds Gillian: “Also, as a result of Covid, people have started to shop local, with the relationship between the shop owner and the customer

becoming stronger. Supporting your local independent businesses has become more prominent, as is supporting British makers.

Our turnaround is quick and our order qualities are low, so there are no Brexit delays or large minimum order quantities. We are all spending more time at home and people are definitely treating themselves to things of value.”

At Pintail Candles, managing director James Long says that Made in Britain seems to be centring around authenticity.

“Generic phrases such as ‘Designed in Britain’ are becoming ‘un-trusted’, as consumers and retailers increasingly want to know where a product is actually made,” points out James.

“Our customers have always loved the fact that our candles are hand poured in a little fishing village in South Lakeland. But over the past year, we have noticed that they are becoming increasingly surprised and

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

27

coulson macleod.

Vintage GREETING CARDS

|

S TAT I O N E RY

Words |

PRINTS

|

G I F T WA R E

No Minimum Order New Catalogue Available Now Carriage Free: £150+ A wonderfully wordy range that says what you want to say without having to say it. Designed to be just a little bit different, each of the 57 designs focuses on a different interest or hobby and is filled to the brim with humour and warmth, and available in a variety of different formats, including cards, mugs, coasters and prints.

28_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

01536 419944 coulsonmacleod-trade.com

29/03/2021 12:12

27_29_muk.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 12:50 Page 29

Focus On... Made In Britain delighted when we tell them that even our wicks and candle tins are British made. As such, Made in Britain or Made in the UK, is central to our brand identity. To promote our candles’ provenance, they are all are marked ‘Handmade in the UK’ and some ranges include a specially designed Made in Britain logo. Additionally, in our Spring & Summer catalogue we feature fragrances which blend the on-trend with a twist of Britishness.”

Donny Carstairs, managing director of homeware and gift supplier Selbrae House in Kirkcaldy, points out that due to Brexit issues, it’s now harder to source products direct from Europe. “Approximately 30% of our sales are/were to retailers in Europe, and therefore adapting and finding solutions to life post Brexit has been a priority for a business like ours, although we’ve managed to do so. It’s also harder and more expensive for UK retailers to trade with, say, France.

So, the result is an easy opening for Made in UK products, which have been gaining momentum for a few years now, although we will have to see whether the UK retailer is feeling more patriotic post Brexit.”

Adds Donny: “In addition, by its nature, the pandemic has brought people back to their roots. Consumers like to know where a purchase has come from and its provenance which favours Made in Britain products. We supply PoS, highlighting ‘handcrafted in the UK’, and a starter pack with imagery suggesting retail layouts to help retailers.

Plus, manufacturing in the UK gives us flexibility to adapt to trends quicker, and make only what we need, which saves on waste and makes the whole supply chain more efficient - a cost that is often lost when comparing costs to the importing model.”

At The Somerset Toiletry Company, chairman Sakina Buoy underlines the

Above: The Somerset Toiletry Company’s Naturally European range includes hand cream, hand wash, body lotion and shower gel which are made in the UK: Below left: A bee design medium oak serving paddle from Selbrae House.

Below right: Simply London is Victoria Eggs’ biggest selling collection.

importance to the company of manufacturing in the UK, but also to using manufacturing facilities abroad. “Made In Britain has always been, and remains, important to us, with regard to making as many of our products as we can in the UK. In fact, we will shortly have very exciting news on a new manufacturing facility we are opening here in Somerset.”

She goes on to explain: “The majority of our main product lines are made in England and I believe there has always been a strong desire to buy British which will continue.

However, the pandemic has been a financial disaster for many people, and their first motivation may not be whether something has been made in Britain but whether they can afford it. Having great product should not be exclusively for those with extra money to spend,” she continues.

“We all deserve to have beautifully made products with decent formulations that are as good as they can be, no matter the price. Even though our preference is UK made, we do not shy away from using our manufacturing facility in South Africa, or our long term partnership with a factory in China, for some products where price would be prohibitive if made in the UK.” Victoria Eggs, founder and managing director of her eponymous company, which sells homewares and gifts, says that retailers and consumers already have an increasingly strong appetite for products which are made in Britain, with many retailers now including UK made products as part of their buying strategies.

“The pandemic and lockdown have accelerated the decline in the UK high

street, forcing consumers to buy online. However, we have seen an increased desire to buy from independent and local retailers, supporting local communities where possible. Social media campaigns which champion this, such as #smallbusiness, #shoplocal and #shopindependent, are such a huge support and great way for British made products to be discovered.”

Underlines Victoria: “I am passionate about working with members of the British manufacturing community to create our collections, and knowing where our products are made and who makes them is really important to us and our customers. We make it clear on our packaging and products that they are all proudly Made in Britain and we include our brand story. We also offer retailers PoS material, content and a library of product images to help support them as

best we can. This has been increasingly important in the past year as many of our retailers have been improving their online stores during the pandemic.”

With a growing trend for Made In Britain, as well as shorter lead-times and lower volumes, from a gift retailer’s perspective, if the price is right, and with staycations to look forward to in tourist areas, it could turn out to be a ‘great’ British summer!

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

29

Eco-friendly - recycled & recyclable Ocean Friendly as plastic free Fairtrade & handmade by Indian craftsmen Individually gift boxed using recycled paper Makes a beautiful British designed eco-friendly gift

H2O Collection

Fingers crossed we will see you again in 2021 at a trade show.

Keep checking our social media pages and website for the latest updates!

01277 297259 PG_A4_Ad_11-20.indd 1 30_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

sales@tilnarart.co.uk

COLLECTION

by Tilnar Art

www.tilnarart.co.uk 06/04/2021 16:16 06/04/2021 16:45

WN - General.qxp_52-53/55 05/04/2021 12:53 Page 83

WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Jewellery & Fashion Accessories to be showcased this month Return to the Garden By very popular demand, Ashleigh & Burwood has relaunched its extra-long Garden Incense. With herbaceous notes of invigorating citronella, rosemary and thyme essential oils, well known for their insect repellent properties, these giant premium incense sticks are the perfect accompaniment to outdoor picnicking, or entertaining.

Ashleigh & Burwood

Personalised Mirrored Glass Oil Burner

T: 01932 267060

PMC’s brand new butterfly oil burners bring the outside in and will fill any home

E: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

with fragrance. With soft greens and a delicate leaf pattern this fully

W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

personalised gift is perfect for all occasions. PMC’s website has its full product range for all occasions.

PMC T: 01782 744900 E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Butterfly Décor Vases Following on from the success of Joe Davies' tree of life collection of vases and home decor it’s happy to introduce a new

Jewellery For All Occasions

butterfly design. The design is a simple and pretty butterfly embossed on to a textured background in two different

If you are looking for

colourways, gunmetal grey and champagne making them a

something modern and fast

beautiful showpiece to go with any home decor.

selling to add to your offer for 2021, Life Charms would be

Joe Davies

delighted to discuss becoming

T: 0161 9756300

a stockist of its jewellery this

E: sales@joedavies.co.uk

year. To find out more visit its

W: www.joedavies.co.uk

trade website and register for an account to view everything, including prices.

Life Charms T: 0203 4882656 E: info@lifecharms.co.uk W: www.lifecharms-trade.co.uk

Hand Sanitiser With A Difference Aqualina’s Smart Hand Sanitiser is not a spray, but a deep cleansing vaporised alcohol, using atomiser technology. It will deliver just the right amount of alcohol cleansing vapor, saving money on traditional pump action dispensers. Voted

by Mintel as its favourite Hand Sanitiser of 2020 this Smart Hand Sanitiser is contactless, rechargeable, effective, portable, stylish and easy to use and refill.

Aqualina T: 01892 457476 E: sales@grangestreet.com W: www.aqualina.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

31

32-33.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 12:58 Page 32

In Profile: Gallery Direct

Investing In TheFuture Left: Chris Lewis.

Below: A colourful toucan, among the new accessories in the Curious + Chic collection.

Below middle: Retreat brings the outdoors in.

Bottom left: Orangery creates and oasis of calm.

Last summer, Chris Lewis joined Gallery Direct as head of sales & business development (Accessories), with his remit including identifying fast moving products and gaps in the market, as well as working with the product design and development teams to source and launch new lines to the market.

With a significant investment in the accessories side of the business, PG&H put Chris into the hot seat to find out more about what will be driving sales for the company this year.

As the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going, with Gallery Direct among the leading companies in the gift and home industry working hard to keep on top of the business during the pandemic.

This has included maintaining stock levels, despite global supply chain issues, and investing across all product categories, to include accessories.

“We have re-invested and expanded our categories, adding a huge new selection of exciting accessories including Christmas,” confirms Chris Lewis, who joined the company last August, bringing with him a wealth of experience to the accessories category, having held a similar position with Parlane. (Prior to that, he ran the family’s furniture business for some 20 years). “We have also recently redeveloped our two

showrooms in Kent and Yorkshire which heavily feature accessories and soft furnishing ranges,” he adds. “Plus, among the initiatives we have introduced for our accessory customers is drop shipping, with all of our new accessories in drop shipping packaging.”

Chris continues: “Even though we’re coming out of lockdown now, we know there is a significant opportunity, as customers are

‘At Home’ Visits Gallery Direct has large showrooms both at its head office in Sittingbourne, as well as in Leeds, with both showrooms open and Covid secure. “We are currently booking appointments for customers to visit, giving them the opportunity to view the products in person,” confirms Chris.

“Visitors can be assured that appropriate measures are in place, following Government guidelines, to help ensure their safety as well as the safety of our staff.”

32

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

spending more time at home. They will be continuing to think about freshening up their rooms, whether with a full re-style or by simply adding different accessories to give a room a new look. Therefore, our new Spring/Summer accessories collection adds to our current range, focusing on design, quality and value for money.”

The new accessories, along with all of Gallery Direct’s other new products, are featured in the company’s 2021 Lookbook, which was launched at the beginning of the year. In the absence of trade shows, the Lookbook can be viewed online as a flipbook, with individual products available for customers to order on Gallery’s website.

“It’s a fantastic document for the trade, with over 1,300 lines that have been added to our already extensive catalogue,” points out Chris. “It features over 570 accessories, including a vast array of faux plants and stems, an eclectic selection of vases, pots and planters, and a brand new tableware range.”

Among the key accessories trends is Curious + Chic. The concept embraces all

32-33.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 12:58 Page 33

In Profile: Gallery Direct that is ‘weird and wonderful’, offering an eclectic array of unusual pieces with unique, quirky designs and oddity, ranging from colourful toucan planters to sloth table lamps.

“I adore this trend,” enthuses Chris, “and with its deep colour palette and the injection of bright metal finishes, this trend is full of curiosities that will add excitement to any interior.”

Other trends include Retreat, which features a relaxed palette of pale tones, natural textures and materials to bring the outdoors inside, and Orangery, featuring natural materials and hues to create an oasis of calm.

Key to both these trends are faux flowers and plants, both large and small.

They range from ferns, bamboo, grasses and succulents, to individual flower stems, sprays, small fruit trees and flowering plants, with an option to suit every interior space.

“This year, we have increased the collection to include stems of roses, alliums, eucalyptus, magnolias, peonies, cherry

blossom, dahlias and statement pampas, together with a vast range of potted grass, succulents, orchids and cactus, all of which will enhance all types of interior looks,” highlights Chris. To complement the faux flowers, the company has also introduced a new range of planters and vases.

Although not featured in the Lookbook, which launched in January, a brand new range of Christmas accessories has also been launched. The collection - which includes delicate wreaths, timeless baubles, cosy cushions, rustic garlands, snowy trees, candles, ornaments and snuggly throws has been designed to add style and class to the festive season. “The variety ensures there is something to suit all tastes, whether it’s rustic charm, chic

Gallery Direct: The Lowdown l Gallery Direct was established in 1973

l

l

l Above: Japandi reflects a blend of Japanese and Scandi designs.

Below left: Simply Green’s cushions and throws feature yarn produced from plastic bottles.

Bottom: A wide range of faux plants and flowers have been added to the collection.

Below right: Some of the new products for Christmas.

sophistication, nostalgic style, contemporary design, bold bright colours or soft subtle tones,” Chris states.

Naturally, sustainability is high on the agenda, with the company continuing to source and increase sustainable materials across the board, to include accessories.

“We have some fantastic new felt Christmas products, baskets and even a super new textile collection made from recycled bottles, called Simply Green,” explains Chris. “It offers both cushions and throws, with the yarn produced from plastic bottles. It’s as soft as wool, and with its washable and stainresistant properties, it makes the collection soft and cosy to touch.”

So, as we finally come out of lockdown, what advice would he give to retailers? “I would tell them not to look back,” comments Chris. “It’s been a difficult time for all of us and we should take each day as it comes. There are, and will be, many obstacles to overcome, but working

l

l

as a small family business specialising in mirrors and wall décor.

It has subsequently grown to become one of the largest leading British based designer, manufacturer and distributor of furniture, home décor and accessories, with a global reach, offering the complete home furnishings solution for independents and interior designers.

In 2014, Gallery acquired Frank Hudson fine furniture makers, which continues to win industry accolades.

In 2015, Gallery furthered its expansion by acquiring Dreamworks Beds, specialists in beds, mattresses and upholstery.

In parallel, soft furnishings categories were expanded and developed, sourcing the finest textiles from around the world.

In recent years the home accessories category has been given extra investment and is now a major growth area for the business.

together we can do it. Consumers are desperate to get out and spend, and they will be looking for fresh new products. We have therefore booked both Harrogate Home & Gift and Autumn Fair to showcase our new collections. The whole industry is missing exhibitions, but most especially customers who are looking for inspiration for their stores.”

Looking to the rest of the year, Chris says that with the company growing fast, the challenge will be to manage the growth carefully. “We will continue to significantly invest in stock, warehousing, transport and marketing.

And, of course, maintaining a winning team ethos is vital and probably the essence of our ongoing success.”

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

33

New 2021 Collection

Tel: 0800 011 6969 | customerservices@puckator.co.uk | www.puckator.co.uk

34-35_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

07/04/2021 11:30

34-35_GH_March April 2021.indd 2

07/04/2021 11:30

36_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

06/04/2021 11:37

37_39.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 13:06 Page 37

Focus On... Men’s Gifts

With Father’s Day homing into view on June 20, men’s gifts are currently top of the gift buying agenda for dads of all ages and stages, to include stepdads, grandads, godfathers and fatherin-laws. But, of course, men’s gifts aren’t just for Father’s Day. There are a plenty of reasons to buy gifts for men throughout the year, with gift suppliers offering a myriad of post pandemic, innovative ideas to inspire gift retailers.

F

ather’s Day is the next gift giving ‘occasion’ on the calendar, and while it may not normally be the big, celebrated affair that Mother’s Day is, it’s the first event of the year that non-essential retailers are able to make the most of in their stores. And with people wanting to show how much they love and appreciate the special men in their lives, it’s bound to be ‘the Daddy’. Plus, of course, it’s not the only occasion to buy male gifts for - birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, ‘just because’ and ‘thinking of you’ gifts are all reasons to shop. With the second half of the year hopefully seeing everyone getting out and about again, suppliers are tapping into the trends that will be evolving post pandemic.

“As we ease out of lockdown we can see 2021 being a year of excitement and outdoor activities with friends and family, something we've all been craving for over a year now,” says Gift Republic’s designer Isaac Michael. “A few of the outdoor men’s gifts we've brought out this season include our Tiger tees, helping guys everywhere to

Also looking at men’s gifts that reflect the great outdoors, or as gifts for a car obsessed friend, is Puckator.

“This summer we will all be anticipating the end of lockdown, and to most people, the Volkswagen Camper Van means sun, sea and camping, which are the cornerstones of the products in this range,” explains designer Laura Billingham.

Categories span homeware and drinkware, to include re-usable mugs and a picnic set, up their golf game by teeing off with a pro. In addition, our gin and wine sized workouts are a great way to help to get rid of a lockdown body. We also have some new scratch posters that will really help to make the most of post lockdown freedom - 100 Things To Do In The UK, 100 Things To Do With Dad and 100 Things to Do with Mum - which are filled with activities for summer.”

Top: Volkswagen Camper Van giftware from Puckator.

Centre: Scrabble and jigsaw photo frames from Joe Davies.

Above right: Mad Man from Widdop And Co. Left: Gift Republic’s wine-sized workouts.

as well as kitchen and clothing accessories, with all items available in four brightly coloured themes: T1 Camper Bus Red and Blue, Summer Love and Surf Adventure.

Following long periods of lockdown, sentiment continues to trend heavily in all sectors of giftware, including men’s gifts, says Joe Davies. “At a time when most of us have spent more time than usual with family, traditional games and pastimes like Scrabble and jigsaws have seen a huge spike in popularity,” comments buyer Mary Caputo.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

37

Halo Mini Repeller The Thermacell Halo effectively repels mosquitoes and midges by creating a 20m2 zone of protection. This comapct, easy-to-use and stylish device will sit neatly on your garden table while it works to keep pesky mosquitoes from spoiling your day.

• Provides a 20m2 area of mosquito

and midge repellancy

• Silent and scent-free • Clean, simple and easy to use • Weather resistant design

Distributed in the UK by To order call 0116 234 4611 or email sales@burton-mccall.com

Over 700 models available from stock Please contact us for a trade catalogue: Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk

38_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

BEEVIVE LTD TEL: 07890556098 EMAIL: SALES@BEEVIVE.COM VISIT: WWW.BEEVIVE.COM

06/04/2021 15:47

37_39.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 13:07 Page 39

Focus On... Men’s Gifts

“With this in mind, we have developed a range of wooden jigsaw sentiment products to sit alongside our successful Scrabble sentiment collection, featuring photo frames, coasters and single and double table plaques all with that all important message.” In addition, with the emphasis on exercise, a brand new range from Joe Davies is Chaps Stuff, a collection of humorous men’s gifts that include water bottles, glasses and travel mugs.

Above: PMC’s Father’s Day range.

Below left: Among the new ranges for enthusiasts and collectors from Lesser & Pavey.

Below right: Part of the Italian Leather Goods collection, which is hand crafted and exclusive to Music Gifts in the UK.

Taking a practical view, Widdop And Co’s creative director Stephen Illingworth points out that this year, the big trend in men’s giftware is the transition from ornamental to more functional gifts.

“It’s why our men’s giftware brand, Harvey Makin, continues to grow. This year, we’ve added an exciting range to our brand, Mad Man, featuring everything from practical tech gifts to handy gadgets.”

Stephen adds that with the focus also switching to more thoughtful keepsake gifts, items that can be personalised are also in the limelight.” With a range of classic, modern and stylish gifts to choose from, such as engravable flasks and cufflinks, the Harvey Makin collection also

Out And About Walking stick specialists Classic Canes highlight that there has been a renewed interest in the natural world, tying in with buying gifts for men.

“When the country first went into lockdown, we were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves selling more hiking staffs and trekking poles as people appreciated them on their permitted exercise,” explains managing director Charlotte Gillan. “And with more rambles, we are seeing increased demand not only for hiking staffs, but also all for products linked to animals and particularly the British countryside. Our British Owls folding cane, which features the five native owls of Britain, and our British songbirds print cane are popular examples, as are canes with animal handles such as hares and ducks. They make ideal Father’s Day gifts, being both unusual and practical.”

Right: Classic Canes’ British Owls folding cane.

makes great memorabilia for special occasions such as Father’s Day.” PMC’s marketing manager Kristina Ruffell concurs. “We have seen a huge rise in the amount of gifts with sentiment across all categories, with personalised gifts the ideal way to create a gift with a special message to those closest to us. Sentiment is a trend that therefore continues to feature predominately in our Father’s Day range for 2021, alongside a personal, quirky and ‘tongue in cheek’ theme that consumers are looking for.”

Of course, traditional gifts for men remain extremely popular.

“We believe in traditional themed gifts that have a practical use,” says Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt. “Both men and women have hobbies, something which is as strong today as it has always been. As such, our new range captures the love of flying, railway, motor sports and vehicles, with

photographic images featuring on fine china mugs, matching trays, coasters and table mats.”

Staying with themed gifts, music speaks all languages. “During the last year, one of the things we’ve learned is that there has been a move towards more expensive gifts being purchased,” says David Gee, managing director of The Music Gifts Company which specialises in gifts for music lovers as well as gifts for men. “This has been most apparent with our new range of Italian leather items which has been a great success, even though, as yet, we have not been able to show it all to the trade. Perhaps the higher priced items have attracted more interest as people have not been able to spend money elsewhere, such as dining out or going on holiday, or that people are happy to spend more on a unique item, either as a gift or self-purchase.”

For gift retailers, with Father’s Day the first opportunity since the current lockdown to bang the drum about a special occasion, both in store as well as online, making the most of men’s gifts will be an opportunity to really shout about what’s new and different this year, with post-lockdown trends aplenty!

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

39

a i l me

A

The UK’s leading supplier of drop ship Personalised Gifts

est 2004 WWW.PERSONALISEDMEMENTO.CO.UK

sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Licensed Football Gifts

For Him - For Her - For Children - For The Home For All Occasions

40_GH_March April 2021.indd.indd 1

06/04/2021 16:47

WN - General.qxp_52-53/55 05/04/2021 12:53 Page 84

WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month

Lockdown Locks?

Problem Solved Hot Tomato continues to expand its hair accessory category, offering some gorgeous and practical solutions for ‘lockdown locks’. Be it Alice bands, clips, clamps or ties and ribbons, Hot

Just Saying Collection

Tomato have it covered -

Sentiment gifts will continue to be important to cheer people up after such a

problem solving at its prettiest!

Hot Tomato T: 01225 422188

tough year and with this in mind, Joe Davies has developed lots of sentiment gifts for this season. The Just Saying Collection is a brand-new

E: alex@hot-tom.com

range of brightly coloured ceramic gifts with heartfelt sentiment messages.

W: www.hot-tom.com

The range includes, mugs, hanging hearts, coasters, trinkets and glasses.

They all make ideal gifts for any family member, or friend.

Joe Davies T: 0161 9756300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

Sunny Diffuser Scents

Fragrance in the home is a very personal affair

Ashleigh & Burwood has expanded its

Lesser & Pavey conducted an online poll to find out what

popular collection, The Scented Home,

makes fragrance products so popular. Key results included

designed to make every house a home with

the lounge coming out on top as the main room to use home

beautifully evocative UK-made fragrances.

fragrance products and over 85% of participants indicating

This season sees the introduction of three

they use home fragrance all through the year. This may be

new fragrances, energising Sicilian Lemon -

why Lesser & Pavey has seen such increases in sales across all

already a bestseller in its lamp fragrance

its home fragrance ranges.

collection, light and fresh Honeysuckle

Lesser & Pavey

Blooms and sweetly floral White Peach and

T: 01322 279225

Lily; all available as 150ml diffusers and

E: sales@leonardo.co.uk

fragrance refills.

W: www.leonardo.co.uk

Ashleigh & Burwood T: 01932 267060 E: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

Scented Candles & Greetings Cards Set Fresh for 2021 Crumble & Core has launched a collection of candles with a twist. It has created a range of boxed scented candles and greetings cards.

Each of the five extensively researched candle fragrances are available in two sizes – a white glass 9cl votive or 20cl candle. Beautifully boxed they feature one of the gorgeous watercolour artwork designs on them with a matching greeting card enclosed, making a perfect card and gift in one with all occasions covered.

Crumble & Core T: 01825 841412 E: crumbleandcore@gmail.com W: www.crumbleandcore.com

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

41

42-43_45.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 13:18 Page 42

Pandemic Trends

Tapping Into

Trends

Below: Eddingtons has seen bread-related accessory sales rise.

Below left: T&G’s Star Baker collection.

Bottom: Baking couldn’t be easier with Lifetime Brands’ MasterClass bakeware.

Driven by the restrictions governing the pandemic, people have spent most of the past year at home, with baking one of the most popular trends, and games and puzzles the family ‘go to’, while gardening and connecting with nature, and/or owning a pet have been helping to lessen feelings of anxiety. Plus, there have been letterbox gifts galore to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions, including letting friends and family members know how much they’re missed.

PG&H looks at what’s continuing to trend.

What do you do when you’re stuck at home during a pandemic, suddenly finding yourself with unexpected time on your hands? The answer for many people over the past year or so has been to get back to basics in the kitchen, with those that had hitherto never baked a cake in their life suddenly

discovering the joys of trying their hand at banana bread, among many other tasty treats. So, has it driven a lasting trend for baking gifts for home cooks and bakers?

“With the ‘stay at home’ ordered by the government, alongside the restrictions placed on the hospitality industry, people have had more free time to spend and experiment in the kitchen,” reflects T&G’s head of marketing Jenny Handley. “Home baking has ignited a passion, something to share as a family and teach the kids. It’s been a positive way to spend time together.”

42

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Adds Jenny: “In addition, with the strain on people’s finances, the future of home baking is looking promising, as it allows people to eat healthily, mix things up, discover baking and save money. With a shift in spending more time at home, rather than on the daily commute, more flexible work patterns may see the boom of home baking set to continue. Our collection of sustainable natural wood serving boards and utensils add a little fun to the kitchen and give budding bakers the tools for the job, making it an ideal gift for family and friends.”

At Lifetime Brands, Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director, concurs: “There’s no doubt

that consumers have been baking their way through lockdown. Whether as a hobby, learning a new skill or, as a way to entertain the kids, social media has been awash with people sharing their baking creations. Our MasterClass bakeware has been everpopular, especially our Smart Space gift sets, which include seven essential baking tins in a space saving footprint, making them great for families, as well as for baking lovers or those who are just getting started.”

Earlier this year, the company used products from its award-winning bakeware brand MasterClass, to launch live streamed bake and cook-alongs, with families baking, learning recipes and having fun taking part.

“Our social channels have seen increased engagement on baking related posts, with a video of our take on the viral baked oats for breakfast trend gaining over 75,000 views,” confirms Claire.

At Eddingtons meanwhile, the focus has been on baking bread, with the company seeing sales of bread-related accessories soar over the pandemic as consumers baked at home. “Our Banneton bread proving baskets, as well as flour scoops and dough scrapers from Westmark Germany, have all done particularly well,” states commercial director Richard Walker. Responding to customer requests, the company has also added a new large size Banneton to handle 2kg dough, as well as a range of linen basket liners and covers to accessorise the range.

42-43_45.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 13:18 Page 43

Pandemic Trends

Puzzling It Out Right from the very start of the pandemic, puzzles and games have been one of the hottest selling lines, seen as a lifeline for many individuals and families as they knuckled down to the government’s ‘stay at home’ diktat.

“Puzzles and games were among the highest performers last year, with NPD reporting 19% growth overall and Ravensburger +36%,” confirms Katy Fletcher, head of marketing and product development at Ravenburger. “Since lockdown in March 2020, consumers turned to games and puzzles to occupy and entertain the family and this trend has continued. Our classic games portfolio performed extremely well, including family favourites Bugs in the Kitchen and Labyrinth. Our generic educational games, including Ready Steady, proved popular too, and we will be introducing four new titles this summer.”

She continues: “Overall, puzzle sales have been phenomenal across the board. We constantly review consumer feedback and identified early on that people were discovering or rediscovering the joy of puzzling. Our Spring 2021 range includes around 90 new designs across children’s and adult categories to include Puzzle Moments, 99pc puzzles developed specifically for adults wanting to escape their computer screens. These contemporary designs can be completed in around 30–45 minutes and are an ideal entry product for those who haven’t puzzled in a while.”

At James Galt, Nicola Sharples concurs. “2020 saw families focusing firmly on their home life and pursuing activities that promote relaxation and wellbeing, with puzzles and board games from leading brands Wasgij, Falcon de Luxe and Jan van Haasteren remaining firm favourites.”

To continue this trend, Jumbo has launched a brand new range for 2021, Falcon Contemporary, featuring a diverse range of artists and styles in sustainable packaging to appeal to adult puzzlers worldwide. “Little ones also have plenty to enjoy with the new Alphabet Animals puzzle and Memory Friends game from Galt Toys,” adds Nicola.

Top: One of Ravensburger 99pc jigsaws.

Below: Life in Lockdown 3D box from James Galt.

Fur The Love Of Pets During the pandemic it became more obvious than ever that pets play a positive role in supporting our wellbeing. According to a recent Mintel report, British consumers spent £2.9bn on their pets last year, reinforcing the fact that owning a cat or dog - or even a rabbit - can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing feelings of anxiety.

Consequently, ‘pandemic pets’ have become one of the unexpected trends of the past 12 months, with many people acquiring a furry, four-legged friend during the lockdowns.

“A lot of the products we’re bringing out are pet-related,” says designer Isaac Michael at Gift Republic. “Our How To Speak Dog and How To Speak Cat guides, as well as our Dog and Cat IQ Tests, will bring people back to nature within their homes, while our Dog-saster and Nine Lives games are ideal for people spending time in the sun with friends.”

At Widdop And Co, creative director Stephen Illingworth says that during a time of uncertainty and isolation from the world, pets have not only been extremely beneficial to their owners’ mental health by keeping them company and bringing entertainment, but also given them the motivation to stay active. “Our Best of Breed products, designed in house, celebrate these incomparable members of our family. From horses to cats and dogs, homes can celebrate their love for their four-legged companions with our range of contemporary giftware and home accessories that include keepsake photo frames and stepping stones.” The company’s products also cover pets, featuring items such as ceramic bowls and treat jars.

Staying with pet products, Present Time UK’s Luke Felton, country manager for the UK & Ireland, adds: “We had already planned to bring pet sofas in pre-coronavirus. However, with the pandemic and the huge demand for pets, we have seen a lot of excitement for our new pet beds. We offer three styles in three different colours making a range that fits with a variety of home furnishings.”

As Luke adds: “Over the past year, we have seen how important our pets are to companionship and mental health, with the UK market having no issue with spoiling their pets!”

Continued on page 45 Top right: How To Speak Dog from Gift Republic.

Above: Among the pet related products in Widdop And Co’s Best of Breed range.

Right: Pet sofa beds from Present Time.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

43

44_GH_March April 2021.indd.indd 1

06/04/2021 16:48

42-43_45.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 13:19 Page 45

Pandemic Trends

How Does Your Garden Grow It took the pandemic to get the less green-fingered passionate about their gardens, but in the past year, gardening has become a life saver, helping people cope with anxiety and mental health issues.

“During lockdowns, we have all had to spend more time at home and when the weather permits, it’s no surprise that people have spent more time outdoors in their garden,” says Hannah Dale, founder and creative supremo of Wrendale Designs. “Our gardening collection has been popular in providing useful tools to those who wish to nurture their gardens and spend time outside and our lovely new garden kneeler is a really handy addition. During the pandemic in particular, keeping busy with jobs in the garden can be beneficial to health and wellbeing.”

Also looking to the benefits of gardening during the pandemic has been RHS licensee Heathcote & Ivory. The company has tapped into the trend with Home Grown, a new toiletries range launched for Spring/Summer, a vegan-friendly beauty and wellness collection inspired by the wellbeing benefits of growing vegetables, herbs and flowers at home. “Wellbeing has long been one of the major benefits of growing vegetables, herbs and flowers, and this collection perfectly captures the mental and physical rewards of home growing,” says RHS licensing executive Shereen Llewellin. “It’s a collection designed to nurture frequently washed hands, soothe tired limbs and uplift the spirits.”

Right: Wrendale Designs’ bee kneeler.

Left: Home Grown, a collaboration between the RHS and licensee Heathcote & Ivory.

Postbox Friendly

Making Time For Nature

With friends and family unable to see each other during the pandemic, letterbox gifts have been leading the way over the past 12 months, with boxed and carded jewellery easy to give and to post.

“Our online retailers have been the main beneficiaries of this pandemic,” says Tony Barrett, managing director of Life Charms. “Their sales have increased exponentially during the lockdown periods, with our boxed jewellery ranges especially popular online as they are slim and go via Royal Mail as a large letter, so are really cheap to post.” Highlights Tony, “we have seen sales soar on designs that say ‘Missing You’ or ‘Thinking About You’, and our rainbow bracelet has also been extremely popular.”

At Crumble & Core, director Louise Pike also spotlights a big surge in people sending gifts and cards to their loved ones, with themes focusing on friendship, sending love, hugs and rainbows. “So many people have been unable to celebrate special occasions in person, and we have therefore seen a lot of demand for personalised gifts being sent direct to family and loved ones,” says director Louise Pike.

Above: Earrings together with a best selling ‘sending hugs’ card from Crumble & Core.

Left: A selection of sentiment Life Charms bracelets to include Missing You.

Among the positives that can be taken from the past year is that more people than ever have connected with nature, with many ‘townies’ choosing to re-locate to the countryside, or to bring nature into their homes through, for example, indoor plants and home accessories.

“The focus of our products is on nature, which has tapped into a trend generated by the pandemic, in that people who are at home want to connect to nature indoors as well as outdoors,” says Simon Grigg, managing director of Nobile. “Therefore, we have been building on the hand decoration aspect of what we do, taking it to another level.”

Explains Simon: “We have five areas of product, and for Spring/Summer, we have launched a new collection of vases and gift items that include Bees & Blooms, one of ten new ranges this year. Other collections feature Bees & Poppies, a Ladybird collection, a Scottish Thistle collection - which is also very popular with retailers in the South of England - and a Rhapsody collection based on the trend colours for 2021. We’ve also reimagined our Fantasia range and introduced new shapes in our Ruby, Gold and Silver mosaic collections. Plus, we have also launched fused glass characters with country themes, such as badgers and squirrels, and have added tea lights and candles into our Flower collection.”

Above: Tapping into nature: Bees and Blooms from Nobile.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

45

46_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

06/04/2021 15:17

WN - General.qxp_52-53/55 05/04/2021 12:53 Page 85

WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month

Vintage Words Range Expands Coulson Macleod is excited to announce the launch of its Pen & Brush Pots in 57 new designs for the Vintage Words range. Each 10oz ceramic pot is printed and finished in-house, and supplied with a kraft packaging wrap.

Celebrating all manner of interests and hobbies each desk-tidy features wonderful quotes in a letterpress-style font on the reverse, and vintage 19th

Bringing the outside in Candlelight is adding to its ever-growing collection of faux plants for spring/summer 2021

century steel-engraved illustrations to the front.

and is really bringing the outside in. From ferns to ivy and ceramic to woven baskets pots, its

Coulson Macleod

new collection has something for everyone.

T: 01536 419944

Candlelight

E: hello@coulsonmacleod.com

T: 01709 723000

W: www.coulsonmacleod.com

E: contact@candlelight.co.uk W: www.candlelight.co.uk

Dress Up Any Outfit

Personalised Sofa Tray

Newly available this season are Hot Tomato’s range of

Ideal to treat any man is one of PMC’s

brooches and pins, complete with some lucky motifs including

brand new personalised sofa trays.

a horseshoe design. They would make a lovely gift and

Perfect for Father’s Day, the text can be

effortlessly brighten up any lapel, hat, scarf or bag creating a

personalised to include his name so no

very individual look.

one will pinch his favourite tipple! Visit

Hot Tomato

the website to find out how to become

T: 01225 422188

a trade customer.

E: alex@hot-tom.com

PMC

W: www.hot-tom.com

T: 01782 744900 E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Christmas 2021 Collection Hill Interiors has scoured the globe to deliver a Christmas collection with sublime handcrafted detailing across a wide variety of finishes. The collection is a celebration of craftmanship and carefully curated materials that exudes premium quality, yet is affordably priced. Amongst its stunning collection you’ll find everything from textured glass baubles of all sizes to votives, table centres, wreaths and gifts.

Hill Interiors T: 01845 567044 E: sales.enquiries@hill-interiors.com W: www.hill-interiors.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

47

NEW FOR 2021

Environmentally-friendly MATERIAL FROM sustainable wood sources.

Finished with Glass Domes, packaged in plastic free, recyclable branded gift boxes. for further information, contact us…

www.enesco.co.uk ENESCO LIMITED LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN. UK Customer Services Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services Telephone: +44 (0)1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk BEATRIX POTTER™ © Frederick Warne & Co., 2021. ©2021 Jim Shore Designs, Inc.

MAR21-00004-00054-en852-prog-gifts-bp-wooden-gifts.indd 1 48_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

26/02/2021 11:18 29/03/2021 12:16

49_51.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 13:28 Page 49

Focus On... Licensed Giftware

Brands New Licensed giftware continues to surge ahead in leaps and bounds, with a myriad of licences coming out for Spring/Summer and in the run up to Christmas.

Think comic book heroes, gaming, retro, award winning TV shows and Harry Potter, for a flavour of what will be appearing on shelves in the coming weeks.

Puckator: Asterix Brand new for 2021, Puckator has launched an Asterix range featuring three of the most popular characters - Asterix himself, his associate Obelix and furry friend Dogmatix - with brightly coloured, highly illustrated products paying homage to the work of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. There are over 30 different products available, ranging from drinkware and lunch accessories to homeware and stationery.

“We are also releasing a new line of comic book-themed storage bags and large shoppers, which are eco-friendly and reusable, to help with the worldwide push to reduce waste,” confirms Puckator’s designer Laura Billingham.

During March, and throughout April, Puckator will also be introducing a handful of new products that will join the Asterix range. These include items created using the company’s popular bamboo, rPET and stainless-steel materials. The bamboo is created from the recycled offcuts from chopsticks, while the rPET bags are created using recycled plastic bottles.

“The stainless steel bottles provide the perfect opportunity to make the switch to something more reusable and eco-friendly,” says Laura. “All the products are perfect for eco-conscious people of all ages, with the Asterix range one for the whole family.”

Above: Some of the licensed giftware available in Puckator’s Asterix collection.

Widdop And Co: Various licences Widdop And Co has introduced a myriad of new licences this year to include Harry Potter, Disney, Warner Bros, DC Comics and That’s Not My… “Harry Potter has become a big hit with not only children but also adults too,” says Widdop’s creative director Stephen Illingworth. “This year, we wanted to inject the same excitement into our range of products and gifts so that everyone can enjoy a magical Christmas. From colourful baubles to fun lights and printed stockings, our range of Harry Potter gifts and accessories look fabulous in modern homes, adding a nostalgic, fantasy touch to the festive season.”

In addition, Warner Bros licensed product can be found within the company’s 12 Dreams of Christmas Guest List, which features ranges of gifts and accessories based on famous Warner Bros characters.

The DC Comics Christmas collection includes hanging decorations, boxes, lights and stockings, while The Grinch range features keepsakes and decorations. Also new are two Paddington collections, one with art from the box office hit movies, and another for baby’s first Christmas featuring the classic Peggy Fortnum illustrations. There is also a new addition to the Disney brand - Disney Christmas Winnie The Pooh range - showcasing festive themed 3D mugs, figurines and dinner sets.

Non-Christmas licensed product sees That’s Not My... featuring fun gifts and bedroom accessories that include dinosaurs, lions and unicorn designs.

Above: Keepsakes and decorations in Widdop And Co’s The Grinch range.

University Games: Subbuteo “We have some great new products joining our licensed ranges at University Games this year and top of the list has to be the first-ever all female Subbuteo Main Game,” comments University Games’ sales director Mark Jones.

“The highly anticipated Official England Lionesses Subbuteo Main Game will launch this May, with the England Lionesses a true inspiration to young players over the past few years. England's success at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup has helped a growth in participation across all levels,” highlights Mark.

Left: University Games’ all female Subbuteo Main Game.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

49

Creating fun in 2021 with phenomenal licensed gifts

Secure your stock TODAY! Visit fizzcreations.com or email sales@fizzcreations.com Fizz Creations, 6 Commerce Way, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8TA

50_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

31/03/2021 13:22

49_51.qxp_New Grid 30/03/2021 13:32 Page 51

Focus On... Licensed Giftware

8th Wonder: Friday Night Dinner “Friday nights have never been the same since Friday Night Dinner burst onto our screens ten years ago,” says 8th Wonder’s Andrea Gornall, senior business and product development manager.

“It’s hard to believe it has been ten years and six series later since this brilliant British sitcom about a Jewish family sitting down every Friday night for dinner together - and all the drama that can entail - came onto our screens.”

To celebrate the tenth anniversary, 8th Wonder is launching a Friday Night Dinner interactive talking plush range featuring favourite characters from the show - Martin, Adam, Jonny and Jim. The plush figures are free-standing, with each character saying four of the show’s different iconic phrases.

Explains Andrea: “Listen to Martin say phrases like ‘hello bambinos” and “lovely bit of squirrel”. Adam say ‘p*issface’ and ‘seriously’. Jonny say ‘bye pusface’ and ‘hmm crimble crumble’ and Jim says classics like ‘hello all’, ‘something smells nice’ and ‘shalom! shalom!’. There’s also Jim’s favourite companion, a plush ‘Wilson’.”

Fizz Creations: Various licences Fizz Creations has unveiled the company’s biggest selection of licensed products this year, with the award winning SLUSH PUPPiE range kicking off the line-up.

“We are excited to introduce kids and novelty gifting with our Trolls, Minions and Where’s Wally? collections,” enthuses Fizz Creations’ marketing director Paul Boon.

“Plus, our vibrant, colourful Haribo range is sure to turn a frown upside down with its classic sweet icons.”

For retro and gaming fans, the company has introduced Tetris and Sonic alongside PAC-MAN, with a selection of gift and gaming products that include Arcade in a Tin featuring Tetris and PAC-MAN classic gameplay and sounds with a 2.4” colour screen, housed in a pocket-sized tin. Jaws, Back to the Future and E.T. all feature in a classic movies line up with gifting, lighting and drinkware for nostalgic fans.

“In addition, two huge licences for the festive season are launching with warm, cosy products from The Snowman and bright, bold novelty gifts featuring The Grinch,” adds Paul.

Left and above: Haribo water bottles from Fizz Creations.

Above and left: Jim and Adam from Friday Night Dinner are among the TV show’s interactive talking plush characters from 8th Wonder.

Pyramid: Cobra Kai

Nemesis Now: Harry Potter Harry Potter is a new license for Nemesis Now, featuring a brand new collection of collectable tankards, goblets, hanging decorations and crystal clear art. All are officially licensed by Warner Bros.

“Designed and sculpted in our UK head office by our talented design team, each of these pieces is created with the finest attention to detail, using high quality materials,” states Nemesis Now’s managing director Andrew Norman-Smith.

Above: Harry Potter tankards and goblets from Nemesis Now.

Pyramid has recently launched exciting new ranges around the hit Netflix show Cobra Kai which, having aired its third season in January, has a huge following across Europe.

“New additions to our range have just been sold including gift sets, tshirts and more,” confirms Pyramid’s licensing director Mordy Benaiah. “The retro Karate Kid range will sit alongside this as well offering adults some inspired and fun product. Carrying on with the Netflix theme we are also about to launch our first Witcher collection. This is best in class adult TV and has fans excited for season 2.

Ranges are now available.”

Above: Cobra Kai is a new range from Pyramid.

Left: A Rare Rose from Enesco is a new Belle figurine designed by artist Jim Shore to mark 30 years since the cinematic release of Beauty and the Beast.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

51

View our new range of eco products at www.gbeye.com Call: 0114 276 7454 or email: enquiries@gbeye.com

2020 12 09 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS friends eco ad.indd 1 52_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

02/02/2021 08:37:10 06/04/2021 15:17

WN - General.qxp_52-53/55 05/04/2021 12:53 Page 86

WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month Beauty & the Beast Figurine In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Enesco has added a brand-new piece into its ever-popular Disney Traditions by Jim Shore collection. A Rare Rose – Belle

Licensed Classic Characters

Deluxe Figurine is a striking piece that

Rainbow Designs, the Home of Classic Characters, is celebrating its 50th

any fan of the movie franchise will want

anniversary this year. It’s the name behind a prestigious portfolio of licensed

to add to their collection. Standing at

classic character collections including the much-loved Peter Rabbit,

38.0cm tall, Belle looks stunning in the

Paddington Bear, Disney Classic Winnie-the-Pooh, Snoopy, Guess How Much I

characteristic golden ball gown, embellished with pearls and Swarovski crystals, making the outfit every bit as special as the movie’s landmark anniversary.

Enesco T: 01228 404022

Love You, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Miffy, Elmer, That’s Not My … , Spot and Universal DreamWorks collections.

Rainbow Designs T: 01329 227300 E: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk W: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk W: www.enesco.co.uk

Illuminated castles by Disney Enesco has unveiled a brand-new collection of

Harry Potter Christmas collection

illuminated castles by Disney from Dept56. With

Nemesis Now has a brand-new collection of

four castles taken from the scenes of some of

collectible Christmas hanging decorations

Disney’s most iconic animated classics including

which will make any Harry Potter Fan weak at

Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Little

the knees. Officially licensed by Warner Bros.

Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty, the illuminated

and designed and sculpted in its UK head

castles by Disney from Dept56 make for a magical

office by its talented design team, each of

window decoration, or stunning table centrepiece

these pieces is created with the finest

all year round. They are the perfect present for

attention to detail, using high quality

any Disney Princess fan or a brilliant self-purchase

materials and make an integral part of its

with a very reasonable price point.

newly launched Christmas range.

Enesco

Nemesis Now

T: 01228 404022

T: 01782 596660

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk

E: sales@nemesisnow.com

W: www.enesco.co.uk

W: www.nemesisnow.com

E.T. Moon Mood Light New from Fizz Creations is this 20cm tall mood light which captures a moveable silhouette of E.T. and Elliott flying past the moon, just like the movie. The batteryoperated light features a spherical cratered moon brightly illuminated by a cool white LED light. Pre-order to secure stock today.

Fizz Creations T: 01903 327006 E: sales@fizzcreations.com W: fizzcreations.com

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

53

Hop into Spring with Rainbow Designs!

CELEBRATING

1971 - 2021

Please visit www.orangetreetoys.com to view the full range, or if you would like one of our sales team to contact Please visit www.orangetreetoys.com to view the full range, or if you would like one of the sales team you, please callto contact you, please call 01242 244500 01242 244500 Orange Tree Toys is so excited to announce the upcoming release of itsii brand new, completely sustainable collection.

The wooden range is themed around a favourite for all preschoolers - Jungle Animals!

The eco-friendly Jungle Animal range has been designed with sustainability in mind, to ensure that the beautiful animals and plants of the jungles are protected. The toys are made entirely out of wood from sustainable forests, and the packaging is all fully recyclable using minimal plastic, and where plastic is used, it is PET, 100% recyclable plastic.

The collection of toys includes all the favourites from Orange Tree Toys, including skittles, pull alongs,

54_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

and puzzles, as well as plenty of new additions, such as the delightful Stacking Jungle Animals! The Stacking Jungle Animals is a beautiful set of brightly painted wooden Jungle Animals, perfect for stacking up and knocking back down, as well as imaginative play. The animals come with a handy drawstring bag, perfect for storing away.

The range is packaged in beautifully designed boxes to compliment the collection. With bright colours and lovely illustrations, any of these toys would make a perfect gift for a little one, and look absolutely gorgeous on any shop shelf! Sure to be best sellers, this range is available for pre-order now, for delivery from May.

07/04/2021 11:29

WN - General.qxp_52-53/55 05/04/2021 12:53 Page 87

WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month Sustainable gifts Since January last year Eco Chic has proudly recycled over 1.5 million plastic bottles. To help the team celebrate this achievement they have some great bounce back deals strictly available on a first come first served basis. Eco Chic continues to offer on trend designs and on trend product so don't miss out!

Eco Chic T: 0208 6069419

Oriental Inspired Design Kimono is a set of three striking and colourful designs on Dunoon’s Lomond shape.

Inspired by the Orient, the designer David Broadhurst has created beautiful and intricate patterns embellished with opulent 22 carat gold making these mugs really

E: support@eco-chic.shop

special. Made in Fine Bone China and handcrafted in Staffordshire.

W: www.eco-chic.shop

Dunoon Ceramics T: 01785 817414 E: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk W: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Back to the Future Logo Light

New season designs

Embrace the iconic 1980s with this

This season, Katie Loxton has brought brand-new

nostalgic logo light, coming soon from Fizz

products centre stage featuring eye-catching new

Creations. The shaped Back to the Future

designs. An uplifting colour palette has been

light features six LEDs and can be battery

introduced to reflect this bright and refreshing new

or USB powered and will be available late

season, while even more personalised gifts can now

summer. Pre-order to secure stock today.

Fizz Creations T: 01903 327006

be chosen to add a touch of style to the season.

E: sales@fizzcreations.com

sets have been designed in gift boxed packaging

W: www.fizzcreations.com

Ready and waiting to pour rest and relaxation into every home, brand-new Mini Sentiment fragrance and finished with scattered metallic prints.

Katie Loxton T: 01295 232783 E: customercare@katieloxton.com W: www.katieloxton.com

Artistic Inspiration Gallery Direct’s spring/summer 2021 collection includes a beautiful range of cushions and doorstops featuring exclusively commissioned artwork, inspired by quintessential British countryside and farm animals, along with cats and dogs. The series of original individual watercolour designs, which capture the character and essence of the animals beautifully, were all hand painted exclusively for Gallery and have been used to create this inspiring selection of new cushions and doorstops.

Gallery Direct T: 01795 439159 E: sales@gallerydirect.co.uk W: www.gallerydirect.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

55

56-57.qxp_72-73 30/03/2021 13:37 Page 56

Best Sellers Progressive Gifts & Home asked a selection of gift retailers about the products which have been flying off their shelves this month.

Carol Bairstow, owner, Pure Inspiration, Ramsey A medium sized gift shop on a high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Parlane: plant pots and home accessories; Gisela Graham: plant pots and home accessories

They always deliver on quality and style.

Plus, there’s always something new.

Quirky goodies that are bang on trend and very individual.

Home Fragrancing

Yankee Candle: WoodWick

Even though Spring is on its way, customers are still craving the crackling of a WoodWick candle.

These are fabulous sellers for us.

They’re beautifully packaged and smell amazing.

Right (top): A mum and daughter in Powell Craft pyjamas.

Right: Lua bags.

Stoneglow: candles and reed diffusers

Jewellery

PoM: across the board; Cavendish French

The jewellery flies out of the door.

Higher end jewellery. The range is gorgeous and very reasonable.

Fashion Accessories

Lua: bags; Powder: scarves and socks

The range is loved by customers.

The scarves feature beautiful designs, but the socks are my customers’ favourite.

Greeting Cards

Pigment

Customers laugh hysterically as they are so amusing.

Giftwrap

Globe Enterprise

A lovely range of Fair Trade wrap and boxes. Customers use the wrapping paper to upcycle items.

Other Hot Hits

Powell Craft: pyjamas East of India: plaques with quotes

The pyjamas make customers feel glamorous while working from home.

Customers love anything with tear jerking affirmations.

Jo Williams, owner, Joco, Nuneaton.

A large gift store in Abbeygate Shopping Centre.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Widdop And Co: co-ordinating vases and candle holders; Nemesis Now: skulls and skeletons

Customers have been adding to their collections. A great addition to our range.

People love to collect new pieces and we have seen an increase in sales.

Home Fragrancing

Ashleigh & Burwood: reed diffusers; On A Wick And A Prayer: wax melt bars

The brand new fragrances with gypsophila inserts are pretty and practical.

Customers love the fragrance that these bars give off.

Jewellery

Joe Davies: Equilibrium;

People enjoy adding matching pieces to their collection.

The Tree of Life necklace and earring boxed sets have been a huge hit.

Ancient Wisdom: Tree of Life

Fashion Accessories

Carte Blanche Greetings: Me To You shopping bags

These bags, which fit inside a handbag, have been incredibly popular.

Greeting Cards

Ginger Betty

A card and a gift in one. Customers love them.

Other Hot Hits

Nobile Glassware: Birth Hearts and Gem

They sell really well and not only cover birthdays but can also be bought as wedding and anniversary gifts.

56

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

Top: Ashleigh & Burwood’s Mimosa diffuser.

Above: New Equilibrium launches from Joe Davies.

56-57.qxp_72-73 30/03/2021 13:37 Page 57

Olivia Reilly, owner, Little Boat Gifts, Brightlingsea A small shop on a high street/secondary site.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Shoeless Joe: Mango;

Being by the coast, their coastal designs on bowls and platters have been a perfect fit for us.

Simple rustic designs that fit any home décor.

Transomnia: Padua

Home Fragrancing

The English Soap Co: Kew Garden; The Country Candle Co: tin candles

Fashion Accessories

Wrendale Designs: Across the board Gisela Graham: Gift Emporium

Beautiful scents and gorgeous packaging meant they were a hit with our customers from the start.

These natural candles burn clean and come in cute tins making them an ideal gift.

Wrendale has always been a firm favourite with our customers. They love the various bags added to their range.

We've recently started stocking their cosmetic bags and headbands, in particular, the cute bee design in various colours.

Greeting Cards

Fay’s Studio: In the Wild

There’s so much detail in the artwork and we love the glitter finish.

Giftwrap

Unique Paper Company;

The mix of craft paper with pretty floral designs are classic and ideal for all occasions.

The children's ranges have bright bold designs featuring animals. Great for children’s gifts.

Rex London

Other Hot Hits

Orange Tree Toys: Sealife; Piccadilly Press: The Boy Who Grew Dragons

Top: Gisela Graham’s cosmetic bags.

Above: Bags from Wrendale Designs.

Customers love these traditional wooden toys. The new sealife range really fits well with our seaside ranges.

These children's books are very funny and have been a huge hit with children and adults.

Judy Evans, owner, Williams of Audlem, Audlem A large destination store.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Dexam: textiles;

Right: A retro tea caddy from The New English Tea Company.

Below: Colourful jewellery from Miss Milly.

The New English Tea Company: retro tea caddies

Bold, bright hedgehog and fox prints are featured on a range of kitchen textiles.

One of our most popular unisex gifts.

Home Fragrancing

The Glasgow Soap Company; Gone Crabbing: soaps

Quirky varieties of bath salts, liquid and solid soaps have been especially popular.

These amuse customers without offending them.

The seaside-themed soap bars sell really well.

Jewellery

Miss Milly: Across the board

Sales have really taken off since we invested in vintage style mannequins. The power of display!

Fashion Accessories

Pure Fashions: gloves and scarves; Lua: velvet purses and cosmetic bags

These have sold exceptionally well, especially anything rainbow or with a rainbow accent.

Their rich colours, whether plain or appliqued, are great affordable add on gifts.

Greeting Cards

Tatty Co

Beautifully designed and printed. A constant repeat order.

Giftwrap

Glick

Customers especially love the Stephanie Dyment brand.

Other Hot Hits

Otter House: jigsaws and Peter Pauper Press: journals

These reflect the hobbies that people have discovered or rediscovered during lockdown.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

57

GiftsandHome.net is published by gift sector experts, for gift trade experts

From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards.

With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 7,559 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly this fast-paced sector.

The modern, easy to navigate website provides a in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

Advertising and Commercial Opportunities: Advertisement Manager - Jo Pilcher jop@max-publishing.co.uk

000_GH_March April 2019.indd 11 46_GH_February 2021.indd.indd

Editorial and Content Opportunities: Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk

02/04/2019 16:46 10:42 08/02/2021

59.qxp_New Grid 31/03/2021 16:02 Page 1

Best Sellers

What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking!

ORANGE TREE TOYS T: 01242 244500 E: sales@orangetreetoys.com W: www.orangetreetoys.com

GLOBE ENTERPRISE T: 0208 8455057 E: info@globeenterprise.co.uk W: www.globeenterprise.co.uk

MISS MILLY T: 01905 622509 E: hello@missmilly.co.uk W: www.missmilly.co.uk

CAVENDISH FRENCH T: 0800 731 4389 E: sales@cavendishfrench.com W: www.cavendishfrench.com

NEMESIS NOW T: 01782 596660 E: sales@nemesisnow.com W: www.nemesisnow.com

JOE DAVIES T: 0161 9756300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

ASHLEIGH & BURWOOD T: 01932 267060 E: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

NOBILE GLASSWARE T: 0118 973 2033 E: info@nobileglassware.co.uk W: www.nobileglassware.co.uk

REX LONDON T: 0208 7461700 E: info@rexlondon.com W: www.rexlondontrade.com Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

59

Together, we’ve helped recycle over

1.5 million plastic bottles from our oceans

Bounce Back Together with Eco Chic

Scan to find out more

Since January last year Eco Chic have proudly recycled over 1.5 million plastic bottles. Join us in celebrating this achievement with our bounce back deals. Scan the QR code to say hello and together we make a better world.

0208 813 8545 | info@eco-chic.eu | eco-chic.eu

Designed for you and the planet

OBC_GH_March April 2021.indd 1

31/03/2021 15:54